Sometimes we forget that we are spiritual beings living through human experience! How good God is to create the world and everything and everyone in it in a way that makes us all connected to Him and to each other. I don’t pretend to understand this in a concrete way, but I do believe it.
God created us for relationship. We are born into families; we live in neighborhoods and communities. As we go through life, we know and love many people. God has made us so that our relationships last beyond death.
One of the ways we are connected to the people we know and love who are now in heaven is through memories. Surely, memories are a special gift from God. Through our memories, we are able to experience the presence of people we love who are now in heaven. To me, memories are sacred. My family and friends in heaven are in the presence of the living Christ and are experiencing a new way of living and loving.
The Church says, “Being more closely united to Christ, those who dwell in heaven fix the whole Church more firmly in holiness. . . . They do not cease to intercede with the Father for us, as they proffer the merits which they acquired on earth through the one mediator between God and men, Christ Jesus. . . . So, by their fraternal concern is our weakness greatly helped.” CCC 956
We can depend on the prayers of those who have gone before us and every November, the Church invites us to remember them in a special way.
Yes, heaven indeed touches earth. Every believer who ever lived is connected to us through Jesus.
"We believe in the communion of all the faithful of Christ, those who are pilgrims on earth, the dead who are being purified, and the blessed in heaven, all together forming one Church; and we believe that in this communion, the merciful love of God and his saints is always [attentive] to our prayers" (Paul VI, CPG # 30). CCC 962
This November, we can turn our memories into a prayer of deep gratitude for the lives and love of our family and friends who have gone before us. We can meet God in their presence, remembering and thanking Him for the goodness we experienced through them, as their love continues to encourage, inspire and radiate through our lives.
This November, remember how connected we are, not only to our loved ones in heaven, but also to all the believers, saints and angels. Give thanks and pray for the body of Christ on earth and in heaven. May their prayers and ours bring us peace for our living.
May you be especially blessed this November, through your memories and remembrances.
Blessings,
Sister Mary Ann Barnhorn, SNDdeN