The month of November is the time when the Church traditionally recalls those who have gone before us. We mourn their loss, we pray for their souls, we hope to be reunited with them when we ourselves will die. As it is the end of the liturgical year, we also bring to mind the END OF TIME. Though we cannot know the day nor the hour, our trust and hope is in the LORD.
Holy Mother the Church presents the words of Christ on the End of the World for our reflection this time. For just as surely as the world will one day come to an end, so too the life of each one of us will depart from our body; it will appear before our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in particular judgment. The day this will happen is the day of our death. How do we define Death then?
DEATH is the separation of the body and soul. It is the cessation of bodily life. It is the separation of man from everyone and everything which he holds dear upon earth. It is separation from one’s friends, from one’s life work, from one’s position in life. It is a curtain drawn upon the play of life.
DEATH is the punishment for original sin. When Adam committed that first terrible sin of disobedience, God cast him forth from the garden of paradise and said, “...you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” Adam and Eve did not at first grasp the full meaning of these words; it was not until sometime later when they discovered their beloved son Abel lying dead in a field that their meaning was brought home to them.
DEATH has been pictured as something terrible. For who die in mortal sin, it is truly terrible. For those who have dedicated their lives to sensuality, to those who have lived dishonestly, to those who refused to worship and praise God at Sunday Mass, death can only mean one thing–the beginning of eternal suffering in Hell. For these people have foolishly wasted their lives, they have pursued earthly pleasures, they have entered eternity without making any preparation for it. They shall have forever to regret it.
But for those who die with Sanctifying Grace on their souls, death holds no fear. For the just man, death is but a passing into everlasting happiness. For those who have been obedient to God’s laws–The 10 Commandments, for those who have shown love both to God and neighbor, death means but the passing into the beautiful and eternal mansions of Heaven. Christ has told us that in his Father’s house there many mansions for those who love Him.
DEATH should not be feared by those in the state of Grace. St. Aloysius Gonzaga was playing a game of chess one day when he was asked what he would do if he knew he would die within one hour. He replied, “I would keep on playing chess.” These are the sentiments of a saint. These should be the sentiments of anyone who lives in the state of grace and in the friendship of Almighty God.
#68. A JOYFUL JOKE ON REWARDS IN HEAVEN: (For honest and truthful Lawyers!) A bishop, priest and a holy lawyer went up to heaven simultaneously. When the priest was given his reward. It consisted of a bungalow, a Rav4 SUV and a pension of $5000 a month. For the Bishop, his was a two-story house, a Toyota Big Van and $25,000 a month. But it came to the lawyer, he was awarded with a big mansion with complete accessories, a Mercedez Big Van and $50,000 a month, way above the reward of the two religious. The two were very discouraged and complained. St. Peter offered this explanation: “I hope you understand. The reason is because he is the FIRST lawyer to enter heaven. So he deserves a more handsome reward.
This week we have a few feast days. On the 21st, we celebrate the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. On the 22nd, the feast of St. Cecilia, Martyr and Patroness of Music. This is also a day of gratitude to God for it is Thanksgiving Day. Shop and spend your money wisely. This is all for now, watch for the next bulletin. God Bless!
Your Priest-Servant and Parochial Administrator,
Fr. Reggie