As we conclude November, which is traditionally a month to remember those who have died, we shift our focus toward preparing for the nativity of our Lord. Although this season promises great hope, it can be a difficult time for those who mourn. Advent reminds us that although death can be an end, it does not have to be the end. Thanks to our Savior, Jesus Christ, our earthly end can now be the start of our new life in God’s heavenly Kingdom.
Death, which is not part of God’s original plan for humankind, comes for all of us as a consequence of sin. From the viewpoint of our souls, death is not natural to us. We experience grief and sorrow when we lose a precious life. Recall that even Jesus is moved to tears after the death of his friend Lazarus (John 11:35). Trusting in God, the Author of Life, helps us move forward one day at a time and gradually replace our sadness with joy.
Living well promotes the healing of our broken hearts by restoring purpose to our lives. It readies us to die well. Saint John Chrysostom asks, “Do you wish to behold him whom death has snatched from you? Lead, then, the same life as he in the path of virtue, and you will soon enjoy that blessed sight.”
For those made worthy of the promises of Christ, death becomes the culmination of life. It marks the moment we experience the beatific vision and commend our spirit to God. For that reason, we typically celebrate the feast day of a saint on the date of their death, which is also known as their heavenly birthday. To experience eternal life, we must first die.
Through the providential love of God, our connection with the dearly departed is strengthened by the power of intercessory prayer. For those who have gone before us, our bonds of charity need not be destroyed by death. In addition to the anticipation of someday reuniting in heaven, we can enjoy the comfort of spiritual connection right now through prayer. United in Christ, we can ease the burden of our loved ones in Purgatory, and they can continue to support us in heaven.
“We have loved them during life; let us not abandon them in death, until we have conducted them by our prayers into the house of the Lord,” preaches Saint Ambrose. “If Job’s sons were purified by their father’s sacrifice, why would we doubt that our offerings for the dead bring them some consolation?” observes Saint John Chrysostom. “Let us not hesitate to help those who have died and to offer our prayers for them.” Our prayers are potent tools to help nurture humanity’s share in the divine life. The Catechism of the Catholic Church elaborates: “Our prayer for them is capable not only of helping them, but also of making their intercession for us effective” (CCC 958).
The Council of Trent clarifies Catholic doctrine regarding invocation and intercession, stating:
“…the saints who reign together with Christ, offer up their own prayers to God for men; that it is good and useful suppliantly to invoke them, and to have recourse to their prayers, aid, and help for obtaining benefits from God, through His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who alone is our Redeemer and Savior.”
Shortly before his death, Saint Dominic tells his brethren, “Do not weep, my children; I shall be more useful to you where I am now going, than I have ever been in this life.” When speaking about his deceased father, Saint Gregory of Nazianzus says: “I am well assured that his intercession is of more avail now than was his instruction in former days, since he is closer to God, now that he has shaken off his bodily fetters, and freed his mind from the clay which obscured it.”
Together as the Church, we form a communion of saints. Pope Saint Paul VI declares:
“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.”
If you are missing your loved ones this Christmas, find peace in knowing that we remain together in spirit. Please join me in our “Weekly Challenge” section this month, as we explore ways to honor those who have gone before us. Feel free to share your experiences with our community who would appreciate your contributions on this topic. And be sure to share this website with anyone you know who is struggling with loss this holiday season.
Requiem Aeternam
Eternal rest grant to them, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon them.
May the souls of the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God,
rest in peace.
Amen.
