In my spiritual journey I find the more I love God, the more concern I have for others. The closer I grow to the One who promised me abundant life, the more I desire I have to share that life with those I encounter day to day.

I often wonder what life will be like after death. We believe it does not stop, but is merely translated from one reality to a greater one. I wonder, will the concern and desire God is building in me for others cease, just because I am no longer embodied among them? Or will it too be translated into something greater.

If God privileges me now, as imperfect as I am, to join him in his work of drawing all hearts to his, why, when I am finally in heaven, would he rescind such an incredible gift? God does not stop caring for those I care for when I die. Why should I?

Will my eternity be spent in total narcissism? Floating among the clouds, singing my favorite worship song over and over?

The Catholic understanding of the saints, and our afterlife, can be summed up in the words of Jesus in Matthew 22:32, “God is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living.”

The saints are as alive, indeed, more alive, than they were on earth. They are perfectly united to the heart which loves so much. They now know and understand the perfect will of God. The church teaches that just as the resurrected Jesus continues to intercede for us, the saints in heaven offer their prayers to the Father on our behalf. They spend their time well, loving others in a totally unselfish manner.

We have friends in high places, and they have all of eternity to pray for us. Why not ask for their help right now?

St. Jude, patron saint of lost causes, pray for us.

St. Anthony, finder of the lost, pray for us.

St. Clare, who gave up all the world had to offer for love of Jesus, pray for us.