Saints with a little 's'
July 29, 2019 at 12:37 p.m.
November is one of my favorite months. It begins with two special days, All Saints on Nov. 1 and the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls), on Nov. 2. These two days of prayer and remembrance begins the Month of the Dead … November.
Although for many the memory of our dead loved ones brings sad feelings as we miss them, and regrets … this month can be a time of blessings as well. On Nov. 1, we recall the great men and women of our faith. These examples of Christ’s love and light brighten our own way as we live this pilgrimage we call life. By their example we can see our own lives reflected, and hold on to hope as we face each trial, each sacrifice, and each cross.
That “Great Cloud of Witnesses” prays for us from the kingdom to keep the faith, to not lose hope and to never stop trusting in God’s mercy and grace.
Nov. 2 has a special place in my heart, as I remember and give thanks to God for all the special people that filled my life and made me who I am today. The “Day of the Dead” sounds dreadful, until we recall the prayer: “For your faithful life changes, it does not end.” On Nov. 2 we are asked to remember and pray for all the faithful departed … the saints with a little “s.” These men and women are not carved into our church windows, but into our hearts. They are our parents, grandparents, siblings, spouses, mentors, friends, religious and clergy that shaped our lives in this world and continue to pray and love us from the next. My heart may hurt as I recognize that I miss them, but I am ever grateful for their presence in my life and I hope to see them again when I am called home.
One of my favorite prayers during November is to use the holy cards I have collected over the years from the funerals I have celebrated, and attended. I sit and light a candle … to remind me of the Light of Christ, and then, as a Litany, I read the names on each card.
Family, friends, and parishioners … I lift them up to God and I ask them to continue to pray for me as I follow the road that will lead me to where they are.
I hope and pray that this November you will spend some time remembering the Saints … both the giants of our faith, and those etched in our hearts, and know that they love and pray for each one of us, in the Kingdom. God bless.
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November is one of my favorite months. It begins with two special days, All Saints on Nov. 1 and the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls), on Nov. 2. These two days of prayer and remembrance begins the Month of the Dead … November.
Although for many the memory of our dead loved ones brings sad feelings as we miss them, and regrets … this month can be a time of blessings as well. On Nov. 1, we recall the great men and women of our faith. These examples of Christ’s love and light brighten our own way as we live this pilgrimage we call life. By their example we can see our own lives reflected, and hold on to hope as we face each trial, each sacrifice, and each cross.
That “Great Cloud of Witnesses” prays for us from the kingdom to keep the faith, to not lose hope and to never stop trusting in God’s mercy and grace.
Nov. 2 has a special place in my heart, as I remember and give thanks to God for all the special people that filled my life and made me who I am today. The “Day of the Dead” sounds dreadful, until we recall the prayer: “For your faithful life changes, it does not end.” On Nov. 2 we are asked to remember and pray for all the faithful departed … the saints with a little “s.” These men and women are not carved into our church windows, but into our hearts. They are our parents, grandparents, siblings, spouses, mentors, friends, religious and clergy that shaped our lives in this world and continue to pray and love us from the next. My heart may hurt as I recognize that I miss them, but I am ever grateful for their presence in my life and I hope to see them again when I am called home.
One of my favorite prayers during November is to use the holy cards I have collected over the years from the funerals I have celebrated, and attended. I sit and light a candle … to remind me of the Light of Christ, and then, as a Litany, I read the names on each card.
Family, friends, and parishioners … I lift them up to God and I ask them to continue to pray for me as I follow the road that will lead me to where they are.
I hope and pray that this November you will spend some time remembering the Saints … both the giants of our faith, and those etched in our hearts, and know that they love and pray for each one of us, in the Kingdom. God bless.