An old joke tells that St. Peter was showing a newcomer around heaven. When they came to a closed door, the newcomer asked, “Who’s in there?” St. Peter answered, “Those are the – fill in a denomination – they think they’re the only ones here.” The humor appeals to today’s shallow spirituality. Many Americans imagine that if there is a heaven, they deserve to go there. What hater of humanity would suggest some will be turned away?
Still, the prayer for today, All Saints Day, suggests heaven is indeed an exclusive place. It prays “we may come to the unspeakable joys You have prepared for those who love You.” It was no joke when Jesus asked Peter, “Do you love me more than these?” (John 21:15). Jesus was reminding Peter of his brash claim that he’d never forsake Jesus, though that was exactly what he did (Mark 14:26-31, 66-72). Don’t compare yourself to other disciples; just love Jesus. “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
Two different words are used for “love.” Jesus used “agape,” selfless love. Peter responded with a different word for love, phileo, which means affection. Again Jesus asked, again using agape. A third time Jesus asked, this time using the word for affection, phileo. “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Might the Bible be teaching us that affection for Jesus is fine but our relationship to Him should increase to total self-denial? As selfless love grows, “Feed my sheep.” Don’t compare yourself to other believers; nurture them. Shouldn’t that be the culture of your congregation, love Jesus and each other? Won’t that be heaven?
Almighty and everlasting God, You knit together Your faithful people of all times and places into one holy communion, the mystical body of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Grant us so to follow Your blessed saints in all virtuous and godly living that, together with them, we may come to the unspeakable joys You have prepared for those who love You; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spriit, one God, now and forever.