To remember with gratitude our loved ones who have died is indeed a blessing
In the month of November, we remember our loved ones who have died. Of Course, we can remember those who have died anytime, any day, any month.
However, being humans, we celebrate events so as to focus and highlight important aspects of life and relationships.
We celebrate birthdays, anniversaries etc. St. Paul in 1 Thessalonians 4: 13-18 tells us to be quite certain about those who have died, and not to grieve about them, like those who have no hope.
He does not tell us not to grieve.
To grieve is human and healthy. There is a loss in death. Even when a loved one goes away on a journey for a long time we grieve, even though we know that they will come back!
As Christians our grief is mixed with hope.
We believe that Jesus died and rose again, and that it will be the same for those who have died in Jesus Christ, God will have them with Him.
To remember with gratitude our loved ones who have died is indeed a blessing. Love is eternal.
We do not just remember these people as ‘have beens’, we are still connected with them through LOVE. They are part of us still, all be it in a new way.
Our prayers accompany them on their journey towards heaven. We join our love with God’s love as we pray for the dead.
When we offer Mass or some other prayer for the dead, we are joining our love with the eternal sacrifice of Christ and send this love to them through Christ.
When we die, we are beyond time?
LOVE is beyond time. Prayers are LOVE and they transcend time.
Those who are already in heaven help us by their love and prayers on our journey.
The month of November helps to stop and reflect on this great communion of LOVE.
We not only love our family and friends as Christians, but we are also called to love all.
So, our prayers are for all who have died, not just for family and friends.
