Memorial of Sts. Cornelius, Pope, and Cyprian, Bishop, Martyrs(Click here for readings)
Jesus journeyed to a city called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd accompanied him. As he drew near to the gate of the city, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow...When the Lord saw her, he was moved with pity for her and said to her, "Do not weep."
The only son of his mother. Christ was the only son of his mother, and she wept at the foot of His Cross.
Loss is loss, and it can shake up our faith.
But it can also be the dawn of something amazing. What exactly? Only the Lord knows.
Yesterday I had dinner with a family who lost their young adult son in a tragic construction accident. His death, two years ago, is still very painful. It was only recently that they ventured into his room to remove some of his possessions. As they entered, they felt like they were going back in time. His presence and scent were still there.
Just a few months ago the young man's mom and dad threw a birthday party for him and were amazed at how many friends showed up, around eighty men and women. They were pleasantly shocked at what an impact their son had made on them, and how much his friends admired, respected and loved him. They were also surprised to hear stories of how he voluntarily attended Mass, without their knowledge, and shared his Catholic faith with others. Their son's life had changed lives. His death had changed them for good.
Do not weep. It's hard not to. It's perfectly understandable, even for those who have a strong faith, like Mary. But we must rejoice, rejoice in what a life and a death can do for others. How it can actually save lives!
Sometimes our greatest testimony is given at the time of our passion and death. It can leave an indelible mark for generations to come. Is this not what Christ's passion and death has done for countless generations?
Today is a day to offer up prayers for all those who have lost a child or a loved one. May the Lord comfort them in their time of grief and reassure them of His love, His providence and His scent. The closer we are to the Lord, the more our lives will be an imitation of His and of His mother.
P.S. Feel free to leave the names of those you wish to have remembered in our prayers.
About 10 years ago, we had a friend die of brain cancer. From the time he was diagnosed, to the time he died, it was about 6 months. He was a convert to the faith, a devoted husband and father to a 5, 3, and 1 year old. During his illness, he started the most remarkable blog which was followed by at first hundreds and later thousands of people. At his Mass of Christian Burial in Washington DC, the church was packed (about 1000 people!) People had actually come back to the faith and some even converted to the faith because of his amazing witness and the unshakable faith of his young widow. She actually thanked God at the funeral for their short marriage and their three beautiful kids. I was humbled. His life on earth was a beautiful witness to Christ's love for us. He had touched so many through his suffering. He had truly embraced his cross. He had fulfilled his mission on earth and now it was time to go home to be with our Lord. For those of us that are still here, I like the phrase "God hasn't finished with me yet." Discern God's will for you and go out and fulfill the mission!
ReplyDeleteChristopher Hitchens
ReplyDeleteJoAnne Sandoval, Kathy Sandoval, Laura Garcia
ReplyDeleteRyan Kolden
ReplyDelete"Coincidence" that the opening comment is on brain cancer in that my prayer request is for my brother JOHN who is afflicted w/ this same insidious disease. Please for his return to the fullness of the truth found only within the Catholic Church along with a miraculous physical recovery. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteVery thought provoking meditation. Thank you Father. Frank and Florence Wirtz. Marceline and Eleanora Arnoldy. Two sets of loving parents.
ReplyDeleteFor Alex, the Pilot,
ReplyDelete"...fly on, ride through. Maybe one day, I'll fly next to you."
May you land safely into the arms of Jesus.