I have enjoyed the writings of Joseph Louis Bernardin. He was an American Cardinal in the Roman Catholic Church. He wrote several excellent books, including one that he wrote after he was diagnosed with inoperable cancer. The book is entitled, “The Gift of Peace.” The best-selling book was completed just two weeks before he died.
I want to share something that he wrote towards the end of the book:
“Many people have asked me to tell them about heaven and the afterlife. I sometimes smile at the request because I do not know any more than they do. Yet, when one young man asked if I looked forward to being united with God and all those who have gone before me, I made a connection to something I said earlier in this book.
“The first time I traveled with my mother and sister to my parents’ homeland in northern Italy, I felt as if I had been there before. After years of looking through my mother’s photo albums, I knew the mountains, the land, the houses, the people. As soon as we entered the valley, I said, ‘My God, I know this place. I am home.’ Somehow I think crossing from this life into life eternal will be similar. I will be home.” (Page 152)
That is our faith. Life continues beyond death. The Apostle Paul affirmed, “Our citizenship is in heaven.” Jesus said, “In my Father’s House are many mansions, I go to prepare a place for you.” (John 14:2)
Trusting in Christ, some great day we will affirm, “My God, I know this place. I am home.”