Homily: October 28-2025, Feast of Saints Simon and Jude, Apostles (Heaven our Home)

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 Brothers and sisters: You are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones.”

Our true and permanent home is heaven. We are destined to be citizens of heaven. For now, we are just sojourners on earth, pilgrims making our way towards home.

I enjoy reading and hearing stories of people who have had near-death experiences. One common thing they report is that heaven is beautiful, and it is familiar. They usually describe it as the feeling of returning home, surrounded by people they know, being totally at ease and at peace.

This image of heaven is pure joy. Those who live a virtuous life on earth, who keep their hearts united with God, are already preparing to live in that home. Heaven is not a foreign place for the faithful; it’s the fulfillment of what we yearn for deep inside of us. If we follow Jesus closely, we are already learning to live the heavenly life, experiencing and sharing the love and mercy of God and being in communion with God always.

There’s a saying attributed to St. John Paul II (though I haven’t verified it) that “the language of heaven is prayer.” If that’s true, then we must start learning that language now. Those who pray often will find it easy to converse in heaven. The more we pray, the more we grow familiar with the rhythm of heaven. But be reminded, it is not the repetition of empty words, but the connection with God that is true prayer. It is speaking words from scripture with our heart, that is real praying. For Jesus, prayer is having a deep conversation with the Father and the Holy Spirit.

Every time we celebrate the Holy Mass, we touch heaven. This is the highest form of prayer, where heaven and earth meet. The saints and angels are here with us; the Church Triumphant, the Church Suffering, and the Church Militant are united in one act of praise. We are in heaven.

Let us, then, make prayer our way of life, our mode of living, till it becomes as natural as breathing. As we honor Saints Simon and Jude today, let us remember that they, too, walked this path of faith before us, are now part of that heavenly city, and praying for us.

May we live as true citizens of heaven humble, prayerful, and ready to go home eager and joyful, anytime the Lord calls. Amen.


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