On the wall of my classroom at Lansing Catholic, you can find the most famous words of the second-century Church Father, Saint Irenaeus: “The glory of God is man, fully alive," writes Sister Irenaeus Schluttenhofer O.P., science teacher at Lansing Catholic High School, upon the Feast of Saint Irenaeus, June 28. Sister Irenaeus continues:
However, that quote is only the first half of a longer sentence, which concludes “and the life of man is the vision of God” (Against Heresies, 4.20).
When I received my name as a religious Sister, I contemplated the first part of that sentence often; beginning to realize that God’s plan for my life would lead to my greatest and deepest joy. That is true for each person, and I want my students to experience the adventure that is following the Lord.
But the second half of that quote, less frequently discussed, reveals that we are made for heavenly life – not simply a full and exciting life here on earth. Christ, who reveals the Father to us, makes it possible for us to live forever in heaven. It’s all Him; my participation in His life is simply a response to His invitation!
To me, Saint Irenaeus has always been a source of hope for heaven, pointing me to the Lord and the truly glorious life. On this, his feast day, Saint Irenaeus, pray for us!