A place of refreshment, light, and peace

Of all the names for heaven (paradise, life everlasting, kingdom come...), this one is my favorite.  The first time I ever remember truly hearing this phrase was when David and I were writing the Prayers of the Faithful for our wedding.  It's never left my mind since.

Refreshment, light, and peace.  Separated from the suffering and busyness of the world, our needs are but few.  But one really: unity with God, our Creator, our Father.  And in Him, we are complete.  All the darkness and suffering passes away and we are left with just peace.

Today, Catholics celebrate the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  In her assumption to heaven, we are reminded that if we, like the Mother of Christ, answer the callings of the Lord and follow His Son, we too will rest someday with him in a place of refreshment, light, and peace.

Father in heaven,
all creation rightly gives you praise,
for all life and all holiness come from you.
In the plan of your wisdom
she who bore the Christ in her womb
was raised body and soul in glory to be with him in heaven.
May we follow her example in reflecting your holiness
and join in her hymn of endless love and praise.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.