November is a month dedicated to prayer for the dead, with visits to a cemetery on my “to do” list. I’m grateful for the wisdom of the Church to teach me about this, with the reality of communion with the holy souls awaiting our prayers to speed them on the way to purification and union with the Trinity. Knowing that they in turn are praying for us, for me, is a source of comfort and deep gratitude as I acknowledge the truth of the communion of the saints! The veil is often so very thin, and I’m especially aware of this amidst the gravestones.
I’ve always loved cemeteries! This was especially true during the covid isolation days. We couldn’t congregate indoors, and the parks and public spots available for social distancing were often crowded. I desired more space, and found the cemeteries to be the perfect answer – quiet, few people around, and the awareness of being on holy ground with the saints 🙂 I’ll stop and read some of the epithets, wondering what their life on earth was like, and what it’s like to be united now with those who have gone before them. Homecoming celebrations in Heaven are the best kind!
Again and again I’ve been reminded of the great value of “remembering death,” memento mori. This last week our Marian Servant community was blessed with a Day of Reflection led by Fr Daniel Klimek, who confirmed this beautifully as he spoke of the value of meditating on Christ’s Passion, uniting our sufferings with His on the Cross. This leads so naturally to the reality of our own death, and desiring the help of the saints to live this life well and so be united with Christ in Eternity.
I’m headed out soon to pray in the cemetery at our parish church, and one day this week I’ll join a friend to pray by her husband’s grave. Mentally I’ll spend some time visiting the family graves back in my hometown, praying for the repose of their souls, and seeking their intercession for family and friends who don’t yet know the Lord, His Love and care for them.
Lord God, may I be ever mindful of the shortness of this earthly life, grateful for this gift of life, especially eternal life with You! May my prayers help to speed holy souls on their journey to you, even as they offer prayers for us here and now. “Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.”
Spiritual Sun Pennies 