Sunday 25th February
Read Matthew 5:8
“Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.” (NIVUK)
The beatific vision has inspired the saints through all the ages of the church. There is remarkably little teaching these days on what has quite literally captivated theologians for centuries. One wonders why that is?
Is it because the standard required is simply beyond our comprehension? Purity of heart? We know how impure our hearts are with only a moment’s reflection. We are inherently disqualified from the beatific vision and hence we don’t pursue it.
Yet Jesus promises the good life to the pure in heart. Those whose unconscious thoughts drift upward forever. Those who long to ascend the mountain of the Lord.
“Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord?
Who may stand in his holy place?
4 The one who has clean hands and a pure heart,
who does not trust in an idol
or swear by a false god.
5 They will receive blessing from the Lord
and vindication from God their Saviour.
6 Such is the generation of those who seek him,
who seek your face, God of Jacob.” (Psalm 24:3-6) (NIVUK)
Meditate on this psalm today, seek His face.
For those who want to understand the beatific vision more, here is some extra reading (https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/we-will-see-his-face ).
