October, 2017
Continued from page 1
Commandments of Love and Forgiveness. That’s not
easy stuff, but it’s perfectly possible with God’s
grace.
Before I became a priest, while I was living in
Nashville, I had a priest friend. His name is Charley
Giaccossa. Charley and I went to eat together and,
several times, we were on the same retreat team. We
were good buddies. Well, after I moved back to New
Orleans to attend seminary, I got a call from Charley.
After asking how I was doing, Charley calmly told
me, “Mike, I had my annual check-up this morning.
My doctor told me I have perhaps six months left to
live.” After I expressed my shock to Charley, with a
quiver in my voice, I asked, “How are you going to
change your life?” Charley responded, “I’m not
going to change it. I’m just going to continue to do
what I’m doing right now.” I kind of understood, but
I said: “Why don’t you take a trip around the world?”
Charley laughed. “Why do that? Heaven is just
around the corner. I’m prepared.” I asked the biggie:
“Do you fear death?” Charley didn’t hesitate. He
said, “No, I’m ready and I look forward to seeing
God.”
Well, I too look forward to seeing God. I also
look forward to seeing my wife, Kacky; our stillborn
child, Elizabeth; my mom; my best friend, Dick. I
look forward to an eternity of perfect joy, happiness,
peace and pleasure. I look forward to perfect fun
forever. That is, of course, what heaven is.
One more thing: there is lagniappe to being
prepared for heaven. Being prepared for God isn’t
always easy, but I speak from personal experience.
It’s a happy way to live. I wish you that happiness.
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