JOURNEY MERCIES FOR THE HOLY SOULS
(Matthew 5:1-12a)
We all received the ticket to
heaven just like passengers do. We receive the same right and grace to journey
to heaven. Some are fortunate to make it without much attacks on the road. Some
mastered the road and how to manoeuvre than others. They were attacked by
robbers on the road, but they protected their treasures so well that they
continued their journey and reached their destinations successfully. They are
the saints we celebrated. They were triumphant.
Today, we commemorate those who
are still held by one problem or the other along their way to heaven. We, who
are still journeying, pray that they get successfully and call us like their
counterparts in heaven.
We remember them because of the
bond we share as members of the Church of Jesus Christ, sharing in the
communion of the living and dead. Their condition reminds us to keep striving
in order not to be stopped on the way by anything whatsoever. They are
undergoing stop and search. The heavenly road safety agents are checking what
they are carrying, going through their papers. They've been held and are crying
out for mercy, calling upon us transfer prayers to them to save them.
They are our loved ones. So, we
wish them well. They have moved ahead of us signed with the sign of faith. We
wish them journey mercies as we follow.
Today, we remind ourselves that
death is never the end of love. It is not the end of divine love. The love of
God is beyond human comprehension. Our love for our dead ones should not also
be ended by death. We commend these our dead brothers and sisters into the
eternal love of God, praying God that they may be liberated from the pain of the
purging fire as soon as possible.
Today, we recall the many friends
of ours who departed. We may think of the dreams that were cut short. We pray
that they not be in vain. We remember the memories we shared and pray God to
give them eternal bliss. We think of what these our friends suffered here on
earth and pray that they may not see eternal torment. We call to mind the
weaknesses of these men and women and pray God who knows them better to be
merciful in his judgement.
We pray for all the dead since we
may not tell, for sure, whether or not they have attained peace, that God may
not abandon them.
After many years of departure, we
may have overgrown the pain of the loss, but let us not forget the state of the
one we lost to death.
Thus, let masses be celebrated today for these
souls undergoing purgation before entering heaven. Yes, that purging is
necessary because nothing defiled enters heaven. But let us, in the words of
the psalmist, remind God that if He marks their iniquity, no one will survive (Psalm
129). With Him is mercy, for this we revere Him.
Let us today console those who
have really suffered unspeakable heartbreaks and shock because of death of
loved ones. Let us commit the souls of those who died because of Covid19
directly or indirectly into God's hands. Let us remember the souls of those who
died during the Nigerian peaceful protest. May God grant them rest. Let us
visit the cemeteries and graves. Let us, if possible, visit the mortuaries. Let
us remind ourselves what lies ahead of us. Let us ask ourselves questions about
how we are living our lives and start now to cancel every debt of sin we are
owing.
Let the month of November be dedicated
in offering special prayers for the departed. Our prayers in this their
helpless situation will go a long way in transporting them to heaven.
Let us put up a call for their
rescue.
May the souls of the faithful
departed, through the mercy of God rest in peace.
Let us pray
O God, the creator and redeemer
of all the faithful. Grant to the souls of your faithful departed a place in
your kingdom. Remind us that we too will be dead someday. Help us to amend our
lives. Look on the few good things we are doing and through the merit of these
virtuous acts, in your mercy open the gates of heaven for our late brothers and
sisters through Christ our Lord. Amen
Eternal rest grant unto them Oh
Lord, and let your perpetual light shine on them
God bless your Monday
Wishing you a prayerful
commemoration of All Souls.
Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh
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