The shopkeeper thought for a while and answered that there was just one such shawl. We asked him to show it to us and he brought out a beautiful cream-colored shawl made of pure wool. That's it, just what we wanted. We bought it, paid the money and returned home most satisfied.

Later on I wondered at the absurdity of finding a suitable gift for a Bishop in a ladies' departmental store. But more than that, I was struck by the words of our friend; "You cannot go to Paradise by yourself. Take your wife also with you."

Neither the husband nor the wife can go to heaven alone. They must help and sanctify each other here on earth to be fit for paradise. In heaven, too, they will be together praising God, because "they are no longer two, but one" (Mt. 19:6). If they are one in body, mind and soul, the man or woman form only one half and you cannot go to heaven in half; either full or none.

The Scripture says, "Man must not separate what God has joined together" (Mt. 19:6). Neither will God undo His own doing. He will want the man and the woman to be together not only here but also in the next world. Therefore we must live here in such a way that we can be together in heaven also. We must love each other, guide each other, correct each other and pray for each other. If we remember that in heaven also we will be together, then surely we will live a better life here.

In heaven we shall see each other, recognize each other and praise God together. The bond of love and unity we have in this world will not be shattered but will only be strengthened. After His death and resurrection Jesus did not forget His friends or His Mother. He recognized them and loved them just as before. So we too shall recognize our family members, relatives and friends in heaven. We shall not be as husband and wife, because in heaven there is no marrying or giving in marriage. We shall all be the children of God, loving and praising Him all the time. How wonderful to be there together!