The Book of Revelation must be read with great care. It is a book written with rich symbols and is not to be interpreted literally. For instance, the number 144,000 is meant to signify the completeness of all the tribes of Israel and not the total number of those going to heaven! If we want the deeper and richer meaning, we find it in the description of a vast multitude of people from every tribe, nation, people, and language praising God. More than anyone can count! God is the God of all peoples whether or not they recognize Him. It is important that our own minds and hearts be just as wide and deep.

Many have heard the Beatitudes and have been moved by them for they are truly beautiful. But how many live by them? No one is able to live up to these principles perfectly, but they can be the desire of our heart and our goal in life. Those whose lives reflect humility, non-violence, purity of heart, and a passion for justice and God's reign are truly special in God's eyes. Being a saint does not mean that one is perfect. It means that we yearn and strive to be as Jesus is and to do what is pleasing to him even if we sometimes fail. There are many nameless saints in the world - far more than we can imagine - and we just might be one of them.