I was reading about Emmanuel Swedenborg this week, a scientist and mystic of the 18th century. He wrote books describing the 13 years he spent exploring heaven and hell as directed by Jesus. There are so many mystics who relate their own particular vision of heaven and hell, and their descriptions often contradict each other. So what are we supposed to believe?

I asked God the same question Saturday night and I received his answer Sunday morning at Mass in the first reading about the virtue of humility as quoted in Sirach 3:21-24:

"Neither seek what is too difficult for you,
    nor investigate what is beyond your power.
 Reflect upon what you have been commanded,
    for what is hidden is not your concern.
 Do not meddle in matters that are beyond you,
    for more than you can understand has been shown you.
 For their conceit has led many astray,
  and wrong opinion has impaired their judgment."

Meditation: So God is telling me that some things are beyond our understanding. Some people let their pride get the better of them and they think that they have God all figured out. However, God's ways are so above our ways, as far as the east is from the west. So the lesson God teaches is that we should just do as he asks and all will be made clear one day when we see him face to face. Amen!

"The Lord (God) said to my Lord (Jesus), 'Sit in the place of honor at my right hand until I humble your enemies, making them a footstool under your feet.'” Psalm 110:1 (NLT)

David has a vision of God the Father speaking to Jesus, David's descendant and Lord.

Meditation: Jesus is King David's Lord and my Savior who defeats our enemies.

"When you go to war, your people will serve you willingly. You are arrayed in holy garments, and your strength will be renewed each day like the morning dew." Psalm 110:3 (NLT)

Meditation: 
Remember the glory of the Father
Remember your divine splendor
That you left behind when you exiled yourself on earth."^† (Thérèse is speaking to Jesus about his glory in heaven that he gave up when he humbled himself to become one of us. His glory was restored to him after his death and resurrection. He is now our King of kings and Lord of lords and we will willingly follow him into battle against the evil one.)

"But he himself will be refreshed from brooks along the way. He will be victorious." Psalm 110:7 (NLT)

Jesus will be filled with the grace of the Holy Spirit who will ensure his success battle after battle. 

Meditation: Come, Holy Spirit, and refresh my soul so that I can continue the battle against evil.

^†de Lisieux, St. Thérèse. La Bible avec Thérèse de Lisieux. Paris, France: Les Éditions du Cerf et Desclée De Brouwer, 1979. 85. Print. Trans. John P. Gross.

Copyright © 2010 by John P. Gross. All rights reserved. Reproduction of this material must be done in its entirety with the copyright notice intact. This book is not for sale, but is offered to the public free of charge in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary and for the glory of God.