“We are all going to die today or tomorrow. Our lifespan is only for 70 or 80 years according to the Bible. If you are older than that, remember that God is granting you additional time. Even youngsters are not guaranteed a long life, as many are dying early in these times. Thus, the exact length of our lives here on Earth is uncertain. Whether you have lived 5000 days, 10,000 days, 15,000 days, or more, each day is a gift.

Should we spend our remaining days in conflict over race, religion, caste, nationality, and language? Do we know when we will die and what happens after death? John 14:3 says, “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself, that where I am, there You may be also.” In the afterlife, people of all backgrounds – Africans, Asians, Americans, Europeans, Latin Americans, Australians, regardless of race – will be united in Christ. In this unity, we reflect the universal nature of God’s kingdom.

The Book of Revelation speaks of a temple in heaven: “Then God’s Temple in heaven was opened, and the ark of his covenant was seen within his temple. There were flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake, and heavy hail “(Rev 11;19). This passage symbolically represents God’s majestic presence and the fulfillment of His promises.

Jesus proclaimed Himself as the new temple, transcending the physical structure of the Jerusalem Temple. The New Testament, particularly in Revelation 21:22, teaches us that in the new heavenly Jerusalem, there is no need for a physical temple because the Lord God and the Lamb are its temple. This metaphorically indicates that the presence of God and Christ suffuse everything in heaven.

As Christians, we believe that in heaven, we will be in complete union with God, sharing in His divine life. This does not mean we become part of God’s essence, as God remains distinct from His creation, but it signifies a profound communion with Him. The Second Vatican Council and the Catechism of the Catholic Church teach that in heaven, we will live in God’s presence in a transformed, glorified state.

Therefore, why should we engage in conflicts over language and race here on Earth? We should strive to embody the unity that awaits us in heaven, as taught in Galatians 3:28, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

The Book of Revelation also provides a vision of eternal worship and harmony in God’s presence (Rev 7:15). In heaven, we will join together in worship, transcending earthly divisions and united in one voice and spirit.

Let us, therefore, focus on our shared identity as children of God and citizens of heaven, rather than on temporary, worldly divisions. Let’s prepare ourselves for our ultimate citizenship in heaven, as described in the Scriptures, where we will live in the glory of God’s eternal kingdom.”

Transcribed by Nirmala Pooja