REFLECTIONS TODAY
Death is part of the human condition; no one can escape it; it is “the great leveler” (Homer in The Odyssey). It respects no one, whatever his/her gender, race, age, etc. is.
The departure of loved ones always brings the pain of loss, creating some kind of void within us. The more memorable or precious the memories are, the more challenging it is to accept the loss. But, as it is also often being said, time heals and with life moving forward with its new experiences, that pain or grief slowly fades away.
Still, the departed are never forgotten. They might have disappeared, but their memories are kept alive in our hearts.
Our faith tells us that there is a resurrection from the dead that has its source in the resurrection of the Lord Jesus himself.
Hence, death is not the end of everything; in fact, it is a bridge that leads us to a new and fuller form of life, a life that does not end, in a world that does not know tears.
First Reading • Wis 3:1-9 [or 2 Mc 12:43-46]
The souls of the just are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them. They seemed, in the view of the foolish, to be dead; and their passing away was thought an affliction and their going forth from us, utter destruction. But they are in peace. For if before men, indeed, they be punished, yet is their hope full of immortality; chastised a little, they shall be greatly blessed, because God tried them and found them worthy of himself.
As gold in the furnace, he proved them, and as sacrificial offerings he took them to himself. In the time of their visitation they shall shine, and shall dart about as sparks through stubble; they shall judge nations and rule over peoples, and the Lord shall be their King forever.
Those who trust in him shall understand truth, and the faithful shall abide with him in love: because grace and mercy are with his holy ones, and his care is with his elect.
Gospel • John 6:37-40 [or 14:1-6]
Jesus said to the crowds: “Everything that the Father gives me will come to me, and I will not reject anyone who comes to me, because I came down from heaven not to do my own will but the will of the one who sent me.
And this is the will of the one who sent me, that I should not lose anything of what he gave me, but that I should raise it on the last day. For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him may have eternal life, and I shall raise him on the last day.”
Source: “366 Days with the Lord 2024,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.