How many will go to heaven? Some say only 144,000, but that number in Revelation is only symbolic - it signifies all Israel. The beautiful image tells the whole story: countless hosts of people from every nation, people, and tongue, praise and worship God. The salvation of God is intended for all. Were all those in the vision saints? They were not perfect, but had washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb. They kept their faith, hope, and love alive even through the pain and struggle of human life. Those who are in Christ are called to be children of God. Someday we will see Jesus as he really is - but God has even greater things in store for us, beyond what we can dream or imagine. The Beatitudes portray the characteristics of saintliness. They are the tools of the kingdom of God, and used properly, they could transform our entire world. Humility, non-violence and gentleness, peacemaking, a hunger and thirst for righteousness, a heart focused on God, mercy, and indifference to criticism and persecution are all signs of God at work in someone. We will never practice these principles perfectly, but Jesus urges us to make them part of our lives as much as we can. Those we call saints are those that understood these teachings and revealed them in their everyday lives. As Mother Teresa said, "Holiness is not the luxury of the few, but a simple duty for you and me."