Where to?
The story is told about a dying mother who told her children: ‘’When I die, have me cremated, and have my ashes scattered all over the mall.” When asked why, she answered: “In that way, I will be assured that you will remember me and visit me not only on All Soul’s Day.”
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Nov. 2 is All Soul’s Day. We remember and pray for our departed loved ones. Nov. 1, is All Saints’ Day, to remind us that we are all called to be saints. Yes, there is life after death, and we are called to glory beyond the grave. Our final destination is to go to heaven, after we have done our earthy mission.
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In today’s Gospel (Matthew 5:1-12) Jesus shows to us the road of the “Beatitudes.” Take time today to check the road you are taking, and the life you are living. Do you experience poverty in spirit, mourning, meekness? ls there righteousness, mercy, and purity of heart, peace, or persecution in your life? Then, “Rejoice and be glad for your reward will be great in heaven!”
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This world will tell you that the “Beatitudes” is a stupid teaching. Why be poor? Be rich! Why mourn? Enjoy! Why be meek? Be proud! Why be righteous? Be wise! Why be merciful? Get even! Why be clean of heart? Just don’t get caught! Why be a peacemaker? Who cares! Why be persecuted? Fight back! Follow the world, and you will have fleeting peace. Follow the “Beatitudes,” and you will have true peace, that peace which the world cannot give, nor take away. It’s your call. It’s your choice.
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“It’s just a matter of time,” All Souls’ Day is a timely reminder for all of us that, sooner or later; we all will die. Yes, the journey will come to an end someday. Just when is not for us to say. What matters is not the miles behind, nor the wealth in our hands, but the love and the peace we carried in our hearts. Hello! You who are so engrossed in making more money, and in charting and cementing corridors of power; are you listening? You carry nothing with you in the end. May you not end up in shame, with all your stolen money and fame.
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For those who are so focused on “image,” it would be good for you to reflect today: “What will people say about me after I die?” For those who are surrounded by cheerleaders, entertainers, and jesters, remember, too, that your so-called staff and entourage will not be there for you once your power and money are gone. The bottom line is: “What will God say to me when I finally come before Him?
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In our earthly journey we encounter all sorts of people. Some are sinners. Some are saints. Many of us are not big-time sinners and definitely not saints, but let us be humble and hopeful with the thought that there is no sinner without a future, and that there is no saint without a past.
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St. Augustine reminds us of our deepest longing: “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.” We can have all the comforts of life and still feel empty if our hearts are disconnected from God. True beauty begins when we allow Him to transform us from within.
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Going “downtown” for fun? Money, pleasure, social media, endless entertainment, or the noise of other people’s opinions? We may seek comfort in these things, only to find ourselves more exhausted and empty. Try going “uptown.” Spend time in prayer, enjoy the silence, take a walk in nature, or sit quietly with the Lord. May you discover that peace is not found in having everything you want, but in trusting the One who knows what you need.
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“In the evening of life, we will be judged on love alone.” (St. John of the Cross) What ultimately matters are not how impressive we lived, but how faithfully we loved. Let us live lives with GEMs (God Encounter Moments), and let us become GEMs (God Encounter Makers)!
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God loves you! Christ is all that matters, and Christ is always with you. So, keep going. Keep believing. Keep loving. We may not be saints, yet, but we can take one small step toward holiness every day. We may have our weaknesses and dead spots, but God’s grace can bring us back to life. Let us choose the way of the Beatitudes and work on the beauty within. The most beautiful people are not necessarily those who turn heads, but those who touch hearts.
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Pray about this: “I shall pass through this world but once. Any good, therefore, that I can do or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer it or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.” (Etienne de Grellet)
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A moment with the Lord:
Lord, helps us to remember that we have a soul, we have an earthly mission, and an eternal destination: heaven. Amen.
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