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| ...Recently, there were three funerals in our
parish on three consecutive days. I would like to comment on the second beatitude by
praying for these three people and their families. I prayed today for Carlos and Angelica, a young married couple, who recently suffered the death of their five-year-old daughter in an accident at home. Natividad, the name of their daughter, means Christmas. She was a gift from God who spent precious little time here on earth, victim of a home accident that never should have happened. Her life here on earth, gone in an instant. Valley of tears is the way I described the vigil service and the funeral Mass. The parents and family could not be consoled. Yet in the midst of the heart-wrenching sorrow, the consolation of God descended. I spoke at Mass: "Little Natividad knows Jesus and the love of God better than we do: she is in heaven. She lives in the kingdom of God. As Jesus said: Let the little children come to me and do not stop them because the kingdom of God belongs to such as these." We are in need of consolation, mercy, and hope that only God can give. The healing power of God is upon us. "Blessed are those who mourn …." I was praying for Hector, a 16-year-old athlete who died two weeks after sustaining severe injuries in a soccer match. I saw him in the hospital before he went unconscious. He made a sincere confession. He was truly sorry for his sins; the Lord forgave him. I anointed him; he encountered the saving grace of the Lord. The sacred oil of the Lord heals. He was prepared for life … eternal life. He died a week later. His family and friends suffered terribly the loss of a young life. His life blossoming, suddenly cut short, cut down. Rivers of tears. Yet in the midst of this intense sorrow, a voice speaks: the word of God sustains us. "I am the resurrection and the life, those who believe in me will live, even though they die." (John 11, 25). "…will live … will live…" … the words echo in my heart. With God there is just life … I am life … I am the way, the truth and the life, says the Lord. (John 14,6). The life of God sustains us, giving us the most precious gift we have: life, and reminding us that we too have to love and respect life. I pray for Hector, that he is dwelling in the life of God. I pray for the family that the Holy Spirit of hope and life descends upon them. "Blessed are those who mourn …." I was praying for Benita and her ten brothers and sisters. Benita is a parishioner who is married to Martin. They are a young couple with two sons. Benita spent the last ten years of her life caring for her elderly mother at home. Her mother was basically bedridden; she suffered from many physical complications. Benita was at her side day and night caring for the mother who served her and her brothers and sisters for many years. Her name was Ana … Doņa Ana, a valiant woman who gave life to her family. So faithful to God and her family for all of her 87 years. She was blessed to receive the Eucharist every week at home for many years. She gave life and received the bread of life. She poured out her heart to her family and God; Jesus poured out His life for her on the cross. Recently, she quietly died one evening. A holy death, she journeyed home … to her heavenly home. Jesus, who always stood by her side, received her with a smile. "I am the bread of life, if you eat this bread, you will live forever." (John 6, 51). Benita and her family mourn the loss of their mother. The pain of separation is intense. Yet they have the same faith of their mother. The faith that gives them hope in despair and suffering. The faith that assures them that their mother is in the hands of God where no torment shall touch her. The faith that assures them that some day they will be reunited with their mother in the heavenly kingdom. "Blessed are those who mourn…." I thank God for this retreat: spiritual refreshment, which I always need. I am spending my time listening to God speaking to me … prayer. Silence, the language of God. Teach me O God to listen and be filled with your word. I pray for you, in thanksgiving for your faith in the God of the living. I pray in thanksgiving for your constant support of my mission here in Mexicali. I pray for you and your families that together you may experience the peace and joy of our loving God who calls us to life. "Open the secret eye of faith. And drink these deeps of invisible light.
The weak walls Of the world fall. And heaven, in floods, comes pouring in. Since from your
shallows, soul, into eternity, And slake your wonder at that deep - lake spring We touch
the rays we cannot see, We feel the light that seems to sing." (Thomas
Merton). Triduum of Saint Martin de Porres How can you help? Find out how to support the Western Dominican Missions. |
