FOR Catholics, November is traditionally the month when we pray for the dead, prompting a time of memory and memorial and a time for us to look for signs of life.
At St Bridget’s we have a memorial book in the narthex to honour this important part of our lives. Placing the names of deceased relatives and friends in this book is a reminder that they are not forgotten and that they live on – not just in the minds and hearts of those who love them but as part of the Communion of the Baptised who have gone before us marked with the sign of faith.
And, as in all aspects of our lives, we can look to Jesus as a companion who journeys with us in death and grief, shepherding us into a new life reality. The gospels remind us that we do not need to stay with the dead.
Each of the gospels offers clues about how we can cope with loss. In the four gospels of Matthew and Mark, the women are urged not to fear or be alarmed (Mt 28:5; Mk 16:6). Luke’s gospel account encourages the women not to “look for the living among the dead”. (24:5) and in John’s gospel Mary is urged “not to hold onto Jesus” (20:17).
Each account of the aftermath of Jesus’ crucifixion carries certain energy about moving forward and discovering new truths about the ‘living’ Jesus.