Expert: George A. Card,sfo, M.I - 4/25/2004

Question
I understand that the Catholic Church says that that the rewards of heaven are different for each person.

A friend of mine says this is so for several reasons:

1) God loves all people equally.

2) In the parable of the prodigal son, the prodigal son is given the big party, and the faithful son was not given preference.

My firend also says that different reqrds make no snese. Either you see God and love him, or you don't. Period.

I know there's Bibl evidence to the contrary, but how do I answer the above objection?

I think I remember reading somewhere that Saint Thomas Aquinas says that God loves some people more than others, based on their merits or something. Is this true? What evidence for this is there?

Thank you.

Answer
                       Peace


Dear Eric,
 First sorry for the delay, my work hours have been a little goofy so i have less computer time, when I am home.

 Upon read your question,my first thought of one favorite homilies about Heaven, Purgatory and Hell by former pastor of mine, Father Stingle. QUICK SIDE NOTE: If you make it to Purgatory, you well to get Heaven, the second set of verse suppport that idea as well.

Some of his key verses:

(Matthew 10:41)

  Whoever receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet's reward, and whoever receives a righteous man because he is righteous will receive a righteous man's reward.


( 1 Cor. 3:12-15)

If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw,his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work.If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward.If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames.


There are a few others but I cant recall them at present, they are less explicted. Our Justification is God's love in action. Our good works are our love in action for the glory of God, His rewards are His thank you gifts.


I pray this is of some help, God bless.

                   Your servant but His First
                          george