“The souls of the just are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them. They seemed, in the view of the foolish, to be dead; and their passing away was thought an affliction and their going forth from us, utter destruction. But they are in peace.”
Wisdom 3:1-3
This has certainly been a historic couple of years. So many people have unexpectedly passed away since early 2019. It is hard to wrap my head around sometimes. Personally, I love the image this passage invokes about my loved ones. Whether they be in purgatory or heaven, they are in the hand of God. I find it comforting.
This month we asked to remember and pray for the dead throughout November. Visiting a cemetery is traditional, especially today, and in the eyes of the Church, you can gain special blessings if you do. I think it’s nice to try to remember a joy-filled or funny memory about my deceased loved one. Smiling and laughing eases my pain of loss and I like to think it makes them smile too. Imagining them in the hand of God is something I want to focus on.
I also believe in the power of prayer. If we pray for the souls that are not yet united to the Lord in heaven, I firmly believe my prayer can make a difference. Maybe there is someone waiting out there for someone to pray for them.
Can you make time soon to visit, or at least pray for, someone that has passed away?
Dear Lord, help us to remember all those who have passed before us as we continue to Courageously Live the Gospel.
Today's Reflection is by:
Martina VerPault
Did you know...
Tina VerPault was born and raised in Boston. Tina is one of the youngest of 14 children. She is blessed with 5 children, 14 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren whom she loves dearly. A long-time parishioner of Resurrection Catholic Church in Riverview, she has served as a parish secretary and director of religious education, as well as many other ministries, since 2003. Tina was commissioned as a Lay Pastoral Minister and encourages everyone who would like to deepen their knowledge of our faith through the LPMI at the Diocese of St. Petersburg.
