Have you ever had the experience of knowing that gestures, words, thoughts and even your mere presence in a particular place at a particular time has major significance? This happens when major events are taking place, or when significant moments or experiences, which define our lives, come to pass.
Some of us can recount in quite some detail where we were, what we were doing and how we reacted to the news that the space shuttle had exploded for instance. Others who didn't exist in earthly form before 1987 may instead think of where they were and what they were doing when Y2K was all the rage, and especially in the final minutes of the twentieth century. Perhaps the defining moment was the death of John Paul II. Whatever the precise details, the sensation of being keenly aware of the moment is always the same.
Today I was present at the celebration of a funeral which took place in this parish. This was certainly not my first funeral, but for some reason, I was keenly aware of the liturgy, its symbolism, and the references to the beginning and the end of earthly life. What was more interesting was the connection between life as we know it and the mystery of life in Christ - life without end.
I suppose that one of the scripture passages chosen for today's liturgy (cf Wisdom 4:14-15) had something to do with firing up my thought process, but perhaps that's a very good thing. In the end, we all have to determine our belief in an afterlife, in the possibility that God is waiting for our return with the love of a parent who watches impatiently at the window, anticipating his or her child's return. What a wonderful image to hold, cherish and contemplate!
Without such faith, could we truly continue watching the events of our lives, like the death of a loved one, without comprehending the love of the One who first gave that person to us, and who waits for our return?
1 comment:
WOW!!! Beautiful!!! You certainly have the gift for writing. Thank you.
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