Fr. John's Reflection

For Remembrance . . 

The loss of a loved one can be a stressful and traumatic experience. Throughout our lifetime, we experience a loss and handle it in different ways according to our faith, community, family or individual traditions. A person’s death often affects us deeply, uniquely, even though it is commonly shared as human beings. Some experience their grief in such a raw manner that it feels as though they have lost a part of themselves. We can feel anger, resentment, fear, worry, guilt, while others have some relief given the suffering experienced or they may feel a quiet peace.

Each person’s bereavement process is as unique as the individual, although we can have common aspects that are often called the stages of grief. We draw from the support of family and friends where we can find comfort and solace by their words or actions, and of course, we draw from the source of life and love itself, Our Healing God.

Perhaps the prayer, poem and Scriptural passages to reflect upon can be found helpful and may bring you comfort. In the future weeks, you will find more of these supportive writings, some from our own parishioners that they have been inspired to write through their own grief. During the months of November, we will address more issues of grief and bereavement such as those involving more complicated grief. During the these days of Autumn , may we embrace, may we express our love for family and friends, and may We Remember . . .

We read Sacred Scripture . . .

Cast your care upon the LORD, who will give you support
-- Psalm 55:23

As a mother comforts her child so I will comfort you, says the Lord
-- Isaiah 66:13

Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
– John 11: 25-26

We hear Poetic Words of Wisdom . . .

Time is too slow for those who wait, too swift for those who fear, too long for those who grieve, too short for those who rejoice, but for those who love, Time is eternity.
– Tagore, 1937

We pray to the Lord . . . O loving God, support us all the daylong in our dark hours of grief, until the shadows of evening fades and morning light breaks through, we ask for your presence. Grant our loved one(s) safe lodging, a holy rest and a lasting peace.
Amen

God’s Healing Touch,
Fr. John