There is a lightness, a freshness, a joy about the scene in today's first reading. It cheers the soul. On reading the passage we can look forward even more eagerly than before to being numbered among that great throng of saints marching into the Kingdom of Heaven. Sometimes we praise and thank God with special fervour for a great favour received. How much more then will our hearts burst with gratitude and joy on that marvellous day described for us in today's Revelation?

What is asked of us if we are to be among that exultant throng? The demands are laid out simply and clearly in the Gospel — the Sermon on the Mount, which is the charter of the Kingdom of Heaven here on earth.

Imagine how like life on earth would be to life in heaven if all of us were merciful people or pure in heart or peacemakers or righteous (in the good sense). Why, as Wordsworth said in his poem French Revolution, "it would be bliss to be alive in that dawn!" I fear imagination is required because mercy, purity of heart and peace making are rather scarce commodities. But they do exist. We just need more of them.

The other requirements need more thought and prayer before we can face the challenges they pose.