‘I saw heaven open’

The Holy Scripture says that some men of God saw heaven open. Here are some passages of the Scriptures attesting this.

Ezekiel says: “Now it came to pass in the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, in the fifth day of the month, as I was among the captives by the river of Chebar, that the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God. In the fifth day of the month, which was the fifth year of king Jehoiachin's captivity” (Ezekiel 1:1-2); Stephen, just before he was stoned to death, said: “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God” (Acts 7:56 – NIV); and the apostle John says: “And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war” (Revelation 19:11).

Now, I want to tell you how God allowed me to see heaven open. I was doing the military service in the city of Orvieto (which is in the region of Umbria). That night I had gone to bed quite sad. During the night, while I was sleeping, I had a dream in which all of a sudden heaven opened. To explain to you what I mean by this expression I will say to you this, it was as if a bomb had exploded before me and that explosion had opened heaven and I was able to see behind this heaven. When heaven opened, it was as if above me an invisible curtain was torn in two and behind that curtain another heaven could be seen.

What did I see? First of all I saw a vast blue expanse, it was boundless, and in the midst of that expanse I saw here and there some snow-white clouds, wonderful clouds. However, I was able to look at that expanse just for a few moments, for the brilliance and the power emanating from heaven compelled me to lower my eyes and my head.

I remember that in the dream I was not able any longer to speak correctly because of the power of that sight. Indeed that sight struck me and I even lost my strength. With my half-open lips I was able to whisper these words: ‘Glory to God!’

It was an appearance of the glory of the Lord, I can describe that expanse through these words written by the prophet Ezekiel: “The likeness of the firmament above the heads of the living creatures was like the color of an awesome crystal, stretched out over their heads” (Ezekiel 1:22 – NKJV).

Suddenly I woke up, I remember that the hair of my body stood on end for I was full of fear. But I was also very happy. To God be the glory now and forever. Amen.

Giacinto Butindaro

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