The Reality of Death

Why do people, particularly Christians, shy away from talking about, let alone thinking, about death? We find it depressing, we who believe, or say we believe, in the Resurrection of the Dead. It’s not that there are two constant realities in life: taxes and death. That IS rather grim and depressing. The one constant in life is a life, a continuation of this life, into a new, transformed life.

Hope is the virtue that pulls, sometimes pushes, us forward, allowing GRACE to be poured into our hearts, giving us the greatest gift of all: the faith to see death simply as a gateway we walk through. What awaits us? Actually, a better question: WHO awaits us?

Christ, His Mother, who lead us into the very dwelling place that was prepared for us before we were even a glee in our parents’ eyes. What a glee it was!!! This dwelling place unites us with all those who have walked through that door. THEY, our lived ones, are waiting with open arms, open hearts, and a table waiting for us come to and eat, share, and let the memories flow like lucious wine, aged in eternity.

On the All Souls Day, I am now saying Mass for your loved ones who are waiting. In the meantime and in between time we are here, on the other side of the door. Our journey must continue with JOY because we know what awaits us.

Eternal rest grant unto them Oh Lord, and let your perpetual light shine upon them…and us.