November, the month of the dead, calls us to remember our own death and to prepare for eternal life. We may be tempted to think of this preparation in minimalist terms—avoiding mortal sin and fulfilling a basic set of obligations, such as attending Sunday Mass.
We could call this an “avoid Hell” approach. Purgatory might linger in the back of our minds as a kind of insurance policy, a last-ditch means of making up for lost opportunities and loose ends. Aiming directly for Heaven, well, that feels like a tall order, something reserved for canonized saints.
Yet, this, and nothing less, is our vocation, even if we need to be cleansed of the effects of sin before seeing God face to face. Remaining focused on Heaven can guide the steps of our earthly pilgrimage and spur us on to deeper preparation.
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