Decembrer 20 - Ss. Anne and Joachim
Who can ascend the mountain of the Lord? Or who may stand in his holy place? He whose hands are sinless, whose heart is clean… He shall receive a blessing from the L ord , A reward from God his savior. - Psalm 24:3-4ab In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus proclaimed, “Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8). In this sense, purity of heart means more than simply avoiding sin (i.e. being "pure"). Its broadest, fullest meaning involves cultivating a spirit of simplicity and focus: “Remain simple and innocent, and you will be like little children who do not know the evil that destroys man’s life” ( Shepherd of Hermas, Mandate 2:1). Being pure of heart means to focus our attention, our thoughts, and desires on God’s holiness and to allow ourselves to be filled with God’s love. An ancient fresco depicting the "Harrowing of Hell," when Jesus freed from Hades all those souls who had awaited the opening of the gates of Heaven. Thi...