REMEMBERING OUR DEARLY DEPARTED
Most of us get so distracted by the numerous TO DO LISTS that we have to accomplish and are so pressured by all the different forces of relationships and expectations in our life that we lose track of what really makes us happy, brings us joy, and is important. Reflecting on death can sometimes help us see more clearly what’s important and what’s not. It’s a practice that can help us be able to experience more directly — and remind ourselves — what our real priorities are.
“We have all been set on a journey. We had no choice about when or where it started. We don’t know when, where or how it will end. We have no map. All we know for sure is that it’s bound to end sometime. All we know is that once started, we must continue everyday, whether we feel like it or not. We start with no possessions, and when we finish we must turn in all we have accumulated. In the end, say some, we will be rewarded or punished … and that’s for sure!” (Excerpts from The Sower’s Seed by Brian Cavanaugh)
In remembering our dearly departed loved ones this All Saints and All Souls Day, our Gospel reading account of the Final Judgment (Mt 25:31-46) is a timely reminder of the “gauge” we are to be assessed when we too finally join them in the hereafter. Jesus tells us in clear language that not our words or our profession of faith, but our deeds matter in the final analysis.
The spirituality of death does not limit itself to a clean heart with lofty aspirations and deep insights of divine truths. I find its roots in the good deeds we do for others. Our strong spiritual bond with God must be manifested in our genuine concern for people’s physical needs. This is the reason why Jesus in the gospel symbolically characterized the people as sheep and goats. In purity a sheep’s wool can help withstand the coldness, selfishness and materialism of the world and keep a warm heart, while a goat’s pelt does not. The goats were sent to the left not because they sinned grievously, but because they were busy only with themselves, and did not notice the needs of others.
But as profound as this mandate would seem to be, these acts of kindness required by Christ does not in anyway contain gigantic acts of heroism or service. Even the smallest acts of giving (like sharing of a piece of candy, visiting a sick friend or a giving a smile to a disgruntled officemate) when done in the purity of one’s intention can heal even deepest wounds of the heart. Moreover, a genuine act of sharing comes from a certain spontaneity done without any ulterior motive. These are the acts of charity done without the benefit of gimmicks, propaganda, media mileage and recognition.
And though the Gospel image, which presents to us a very impressive enthronement scene of Jesus as king and judge of all nations; is an apocalyptic vision, every societal undertaking is likewise an invitation to exercise responsible judgment most especially in our choice of our leaders … it is an invitation to segregate those we consider as sheep and those we consider as goats. In justice, we should decide with finality that our government should never be handed-over to “goats” whose pelts have made them insensitive to the needs of the people. The good a leader does for the needy should not be for the sake of wooing support, but because they genuinely love them as persons and compatriots.
The Resurrection of Christ gives all the hope and certainty of life after death. “If we live united to Jesus, faithful to Him, we will be able to confront with hope and serenity even the passage of death. If our life has been a path with the Lord, of trust in his immense mercy, we will be prepared to accept the last moments of our earthly existence as the definitive trustful abandonment in his receiving hands, in awaiting to contemplate Him face to face.” (Pope Francis)
The task of maintaining both a “sheep-like image” and choosing a sheep among goats is arduous and sometimes a painstaking undertaking but it is our belief that our dearly beloved friends and family members, who now share in the company of heavenly Father, will guide and help us in this journey. And, if we do not want to tarnish the democracy our departed loved ones have fought for, then it is only rightful to do our part in making all our social, political and economic engagements truly meaningful. To all of them we pray … “ETERNAL Rest be granted unto their souls O Lord. And, may your perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace, AMEN”.
DEDICATION: I personally offer this article to my dearly beloved loved ones, who I know guides me in my day to day struggles in life … (+) Rex, Carmencita, Apolonio, Belen, Roland, Maribel, Tomm, Lilia, Rosita and Ryan.
———————– oOo——————————
For any personal comments or suggestions, you may call 0917-4805585 or email me at [email protected].
