‘God came upon earth in order to raise us up to heaven.’
It would seem, after this, that even when living upon earth we must live as if in the heavenly kingdom, dwelling there in anticipation by hope.
But in reality, for the greater part, the contrary is the case.
Men cling with their whole being to the earth and everything earthly.
Wherefore is this?
Because our common enemy, the Devil, endeavors with all his might to oppose the intentions of the God-man, Christ.
He endeavours to do everything in opposition to what Christ did and does.
St. John of Kronstadt