Death.

I was honored to be with family surrounding a loved one as he died.

I was so disheartened to hear of a young friend’s death from cancer.  

This past year death brought me sadness.

All Souls Day or Dia de los Muertos on November 2nd reminds me of the hope our faith brings.

Just as it is appointed that human beings die once, and after this the judgment, so also Christ, offered once to take away the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to take away sin but to bring salvation to those who eagerly await him. Hebrews 9:27-28

Look what this coming Sunday’s Second Reading tells us.

We human beings die.

Our souls go before God for judgement.

Jesus gave His life to take away our sins and unite us with God eternally.

I have hope that I will be reunited with my loved ones in Heaven.

That takes some of the sting of death away and replaced it with hope.

Tonight at 6 p.m. is our annual Mass of Remembrance.

I will go and lift in prayer all my loved ones who have died.

I will thank Jesus for the hope His resurrection brings that shines light in the darkness of death. If death has brought you sadness too, I’d be honored if you join me at Mass to pray for them.

All are invited to remember during the whole month of November loved ones who have died through the All Souls Day envelopes available in the church. Once you write their names, put your offering in them, and give them to the Parish Office, the envelopes will be placed on the Altar for all Masses to honor and offer prayers.

Jesus conquered death.

Let that truth shine the light of hope.   

Be blessed through hope!