In St. Paul's letter to the Thessalonians 4: 13-14, 18, we read:
"We do not want you to be unaware, brothers, about those who have fallen asleep, so that you may not grieve like the rest, who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose, so too will God, through Jesus, bring with Him those who have fallen asleep. Therefore, console one another with these words."
This quote from St. Paul and many other passages from the New Testament speak of the hope we find in Jesus' triumphant victory over sin and death. Easter hope is lived and shared when we proclaim Jesus' resurrection.
Do you make it a regular practice to visit cemeteries? How often do you make the time and how long do you spend at cemeteries? You may be asking yourself, why is Fr Mike asking us these questions.
There are many reasons for my inquiring questions. I do make it a regular practice to visit cemeteries. I go when time and ministry allows. I spend as much time as necessary to share and offer a prayer at the cemeteries I visit.
Some of the cemeteries I frequent include Ascension Catholic Cemetery in Libertyville, Holy Sepulchre Catholic Cemetery in Alsip, Divine Word Cemetery in Techny, St. Casimir Catholic Cemetery in Chicago, and Mount Carmel Catholic Cemetery in Hillside. My dad, younger cousin, and family members are buried in Ascension. A priest classmate and priest friends are buried in Holy Sepulchre. A priest mentor, when I was a newly ordained priest, is buried at Divine Word Cemetery, and the Sisters of St. Casimir have a community plot in St. Casimir's. I was taught by the Sisters of St. Casimir in grade school and some family members were part of that religious community. Lastly, Cardinal Joseph Bernardin, who ordained me a priest in 1989, is buried in the mausoleum at Mount Carmel.
One of my favorite books is the
United States Catholic Catechism for Adults
. Each chapter in the
USCCA
includes stories, doctrine, reflections, quotations, discussion questions, and prayers to lead the reader to a deepening faith. The
United States Catholic Catechism for Adults
is an excellent resource for preparation of catechumens in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults and for ongoing catechesis of adults. This Catechism is an aid and a guide for individuals and small groups to deepen their faith.
The Spiritual Works of Mercy have long been a part of the Christian tradition, appearing in the works of theologians and spiritual writers throughout history. Just as Jesus attended to the spiritual well-being of those He ministered to, these Spiritual Works of Mercy guide us to "help our neighbor in their spiritual needs" as referenced in the
USCCA
.
The Church teaches the faithful to practice the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy. One of the Spiritual Works of Mercy is to engage in
praying for the living and the dead
. Prayer is one of the most powerful ways we can support others. Joining together in prayer for the living and the dead entrusts us all into God's care.
The Spiritual Works of Mercy have long been a part of the Christian tradition, appearing in the works of theologians and spiritual writers throughout history. Just as Jesus attended to the spiritual well-being of those he ministered to, these Spiritual Works of Mercy guide us to "help our neighbor in their spiritual needs" (
USCCA
).
If you follow this link to the USCCB web site -
you will find the seven Spiritual Works of Mercy and after each work of mercy there are also suggestions and words of advice for living them out in our daily lives. Do you have your own suggestions? Let them know
@USCCB
using the hashtag
#mercyinmotion!
The month of November is traditionally when we remember not only the saints during All Saints Day, but all the faithful who have gone before us, on All Souls Day. May we be people of hope who support our sisters and brothers as they grieve the death of loved ones, remember the impact they had on their lives, and the promise offered those who follow Jesus from death to new life.
God bless you with a vibrant hope in Christ Jesus!
