But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we also await a savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. // Philippians 3:20

Two years ago, I went on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land and participated in a leadership course for two weeks. To say this was one of the best trips I’ve ever been on would be an understatement. 

It was such a gift to be in the place where our Lord actually walked, grew up, and taught. And even more, it was a privilege to be with the group of young women I was with. Over thirty of us came together from nine different countries as strangers and left as sisters.

We shared such deep encounters of the Lord and lived those two weeks with so much joy. I still look back at all my memories with delight. But after I left, I felt so sad, and I longed to be back there with them. 

It wasn’t my home, yet I felt so homesick.

How was that possible? All I wanted was to go back. I felt like I belonged there, like it was a foreshadowing of heavenly joy. 

Sister, do you ever feel that way about Heaven? Longing to be home with our Creator? 

Although our time on earth has its joys and beauties, it can often be filled with sin, suffering, and darkness. It is uncomfortable, dirty, and temporary. This is not our home. 

Our ultimate home is with God in Heaven. 

In today’s First Reading, Saint Paul reminds us that our citizenship is in Heaven (see Philippians 3:17-4:1). Our citizenship as believers is in Heaven. Our eternal home is in Heaven with the Lord. 

Is your heart longing for home? 

It is easy to be discouraged in the waiting, but stand firm in the Lord. Don’t let the temporary pain of life on earth pull you away from the joy of what’s coming. Stay close to and rely on the Lord, and He will sustain you in this life. Live in His joy here and remember your destination.