Names written in heaven

St Paul talks to the Galatians about the Cross of Jesus being a rule of life. This can challenge us to understand more deeply what we are drawn into through meditating upon the cross. When we hear that St Paul sees this as a rule of life, we can wonder what it means. We often hear of the challenge to take up our cross and follow him, but this is not what St Paul is calling to mind. Instead, he views it as a guiding principle of life. The word comes from the Greek word regula, meaning "trellis." When we look at the cross from this viewpoint, we can start to see how Jesus stands at the centre of our Christian life and provides a total self-giving for the good of another.

This is emphasised in the teaching of Jesus, where he proclaims to the people that the Kingdom of God is very close to you. This talks about a change of heart and a change of life. It allows us to experience the providence of God that provides what is needed for the situation. This is not just about the material necessities of life, but a sense of inner peace that abides within a person. When we enter a house, we are called to be people who bring peace with us and accept hospitality from others. It is the sacramental meeting where we are called to be nourished, healed and forgiven. There is a generous giving and receiving that allows us to notice how God is at the heart of the interactions.

It also allows us the ability to see how each day writes the script of eternity. We are no longer just focused on striving for material goods and comforts. Instead, we seek to rejoice and flourish in knowing that our lives have eternal worth. This changes not only how we see ourselves but also how we interact with each other if we see that our names are written in heaven. We can give glory to God through our way of life.