It is said that a dream of every Filipino is to have his own home. According to a online real estate company: 6 out of 10 would prefer a house. Quezon City, Makati and Parañaque were the top three choices. Also, 49 percent would spend up to Php 5M for the house. We would always say, “Home Sweet Home.”

When Jesus was about to leave his disciples, he told them: “In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places.” In other words, in the next life, we do have a permanent house. Indeed, free of charge.

When we celebrate the Ascension, Jesus goes home to the Father. With this celebration we are reminded of at least three things:

1. Everything on earth, no matter how beautiful, has an ending. The most beautiful song has an ending; the most beautiful story has end ending; each life has an ending. The most beautiful experiences have an ending; the most painful experiences have an ending. Jesus was here on earth only for 33 years. People who we say hello to, we will soon say goodbye.
2. Each life has a purpose. If only we stick to our own mission, as mentioned in the book, “Purpose Driven Life,” by then, we are guided with what is important and essential and what is just temporary and not important. In that way, the simpler our lives, the more we can focus on our mission and the more we can enjoy the simple joys of life.
3. Focus on the Destination. While in any trip, we are supposed to enjoy the journey, it is most important to set our sights to the destination. Jesus ascended into heaven and is reminding us that we too have a home. St. Philip Neri would say, “I prefer heaven.”

That is why we should realize that there is much more to life than the life on this earth. Hence, death is not the end, but in fact, the beginning. To counter our fear of death, may we always be reminded of the prayer, “Lord, help us to see death for what it really is.