Turning Godward

Elizabeth Estrada ponders what she learned in a recent homily about moving toward Heaven.

I had never heard the term “Godward” before which is why I was very struck by this term. I first heard it in a homily on a Sunday. It wasn’t just any Sunday liturgy, but on Ascension Sunday. 

Father was explaining why we celebrated the Ascension as Catholics. One of his beautiful explanations was about heaven. I have read many things about what heaven people think it is read books about that as well and her many people describe what they envision heaven to be.  

I have thought many times that heaven has the dance floor flashing from Saturday Night Fever and a disco ball spinning as all my loved ones, friends, and I are dancing, laughing, and enjoying each other’s company. One of the things many of my family enjoys in dancing and music.  

Both my younger sister and I were on the drill team and took dance classes to get our kinesiology credits in college.  Some of my fondest memories involve seeing my parents dancing in the middle of the living room. I suppose that is why my brain has placed a dance floor in heaven. 

Heaven Is Not a Place

Father, however, said that Heaven is not a place the way a classroom, library, or church are a place. Heaven is in God the Father’s heart. When he said this, I could feel a grin on my face. Toward the end of the homily, my eyes filled with tears. 

I had never thought of Heaven being in God the Father’s heart. I can’t find the right word that would describe such a peaceful and beautiful place. 

Father did say that even though that this thought could and is beyond our understanding, our faith and hope help us move toward it — which is Godward. 

Turning Toward God Is Comforting

I found this to be not only beautiful but comforting. Especially in our current culture where aging is not a good thing at all. There are so many beauty products for any kind of wrinkle, grey hair, and hair styles to make you look younger.  

Instead, Father said that as we age, we should think of it as a great gift on our journey toward Heaven. We shouldn’t lose our joy as we become forgetful, and our bones hurt and have more frequent body aches.  

So next time I begin to lose my patience with myself because I don’t like the way I look anymore and I am making what I call “old lady noises” when I get up from a chair, I will remember that I’m moving Godward.   

What do you think of the word Godward? 

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Copyright 2025 Elizabeth Estrada
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