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SOMETHING TO THINK AND PRAY ABOUT THIS WEEK
Prayer to Celebrate the Lives of Our Dead
November is a month to pray for our dead and to celebrate their lives. We have memories of those who have gone before us. We have a treasure trove of good memories of loving family members and maybe some painful memories of separation and reconciliation; there are memories of school, the neighbourhood and countless small kindnesses.
At a time of death, we can look back and see that many unexpected things in life were well worthwhile and brought us happiness, even if they were difficult at the time. Our faith helps with those painful memories of others, whether we miss them or regret some part of our relationship with them. They are now with God and the fullness of love, with maybe repentance for faults, sins and failings. With God we will be at our best in eternity.
A popular funeral reading is the ‘time for everything’ reading from Ecclesiastes. Our time of death is not of our choosing. It’s not that God had the date of death planned, rather it is that the body has its own ‘clock’ and can last only so long. At that time God is close, very near, near to welcome us home.
The funeral liturgy remembers with thanks a person’s life but also faces the question – where is he/she now? All we can say is that we will see God face to face and, in some mysterious way, be united with all those we knew and loved on earth.
At every funeral each of us can bring away something we got from knowing the dead person – help from them, their prayers, their love. Even in sadness we can go from our funeral rituals and answer the question, ‘How did this person enhance my life?’
Donal Neary SJ, The Sacred Heart Messenger, November 2023
We remember at this time...
November is a month when we remember all those who have died – our loved ones, those who have touched our lives through the media, and those who have lost their lives through war, famine, or tragedy. In some countries, families gather in the graveyard for a picnic, celebrating the lives of those who have died, on All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days. They share stories, laughter, and the favourite foods of their loved ones – a joyful remembrance that keeps their spirit alive.
Lord, give us the grace to remember with love and joy all who have died.
May we cherish their memory and honour their lives.
We also pray for those who have no one to remember them – that they may rest in your eternal peace. Amen.
Sacred Space – Daily Prayer for 25 Years
Sacred Space began in 1999 and has offered new content every day since then. You can learn more about Sacred Space on our About page, or if you are a regular, you can share your Sacred Space Story on our Feedback page. For our 25th anniversary, we are featuring stories from people for whom Sacred Space has played a special part in their lives. Please consider sharing your Sacred Space Story.
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