The Beatitudes give us the ideal description of those who live the law of God perfectly. They are humble, compassionate, non-violent, zealous for justice and righteousness, and untiring workers for peace. They are single-minded in their devotion to God and untainted by worldliness. This way of life is our goal and desire, and when we live it reasonably well, we and those around us are happy and blessed. The multitudes praising God before the divine throne is where we hope to be when we pass from this world. But we are human, and we fall short, sometimes drastically so. We must always remember that our salvation is not a personal achievement, for we wash our robes in the blood of the Lamb. Jesus is the one who makes us holy, and to the Lord be the glory.

When we become children of God, we begin a journey. We do not know completely how it will end or what is in store for us - that will be revealed later. But we do know that we will become more and more like Him, whom we love, and we will see Him face to face. The only appropriate response is humility and gratitude.