Heaven is not for the sinless. It is for the sinners. Heaven is full of repentant sinners.
Heaven is open for us too. As long as we take the first step, the step of repentance. Then the Lord God-Man hurries to take ten steps to embrace us, these are the steps of mercy and forgiveness.
Let us say in the pain of a fervent prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, grant us a real, tearful repentance. You are our only Hope of salvation.
You are the Truth in the midst of so many lies. You are our Joy in the midst of so many sorrows.
You are our Redemption in the midst of so much sin. You are the Peace in a world so troubled. Glory to your longsuffering and your forbearance, Lord! Amen.
Blessed Elder Ephraim Philotheitus of Arizona
