But 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.
Wisely, the Church comforts us during times of grief with words like the above from the Book of Wisdom. "The souls of the just... are in peace." During funerals we bid them farewell and safe journey as we prepare to move on with our lives.
The funeral has brought the family together and restored their places among their people. As adults we recognize the children, nieces, and nephews, and the little one who will soon take our places in the not-distant future.
But we cannot long ignore the concerns we've put off during these hours and days of sadness. Today's gospel reminds us that we, the living, should not wrap a blanket of entitlement around ourselves. If we embrace one another during the hour of grief, we encourage them, and challenge ourselves when that hour is past: "We are unprofitable servants; we must do what we're obliged to do."
The hour of judgment has not yet come for the rest of us; and Thank God for that! There is time to assess the damage of our sins, atone for them, and amend our ways. We resume our duties with a cheerful heart, glad of the extra time and opportunity. There's a world of hurt around us but our hearts are full of confidence.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.