The veil is thin at this time of the year, particularly on October 31, November 1 and 2nd. This veil, between heaven and earth, invites us into conversation and connection with those who have gone before us.
Thirty years ago, come December 16, my father, with whom I was very close, died suddenly. The following morning, as I walked to my car, my eyes were drawn to the sky, where I saw the vestige of the moon from the night before. I felt my father, and his love for me, in that moment, and I continue to look for the moon to this day, as it still speaks to me of those I love who have gone before me to God. I don’t worship the moon, but seeing it reminds me of the connections that still remain, long after a loved one has died. It reminds me that I can seek their support in interceding for me and the needs of those I love. Seeing the moon, whether at night or in the morning, is a blessing in my life.
Our reading from the Romans tells us that we are the children of God. As children, we are still learning and living our way into becoming whom God created us to be. Our Gospel today gives us the path to follow, to light our way forward into that becoming. Beatitude living...being poor in spirit, comforting those who mourn, seeking not status but humbly accepting who we are and who we are not, working for justice, being merciful, being truthful and striving for peace in our hearts and in the world...these are the yardsticks of our progress toward fulfilling God’s dream for us. Along our way, we are comforted by our relationships, with those who surround us on earth, and by those who went before us...we are all participants in the Communion of Saints.
Whether it’s the moon, or a cardinal that sits in a tree in your backyard, or maybe it’s sitting by the ocean...God speaks to us in many ways...through nature and through other people. These moments remind us of our loved ones, and keep us connected and in conversation with them. They remind us of God’s love for us.
Our funeral liturgy tells us that life is changed, but not ended. The loving relationships we cherished in this life transcend the veil that now separates us...but not completely. God, Love, will find a way to keep us connected.
As we profess in the Creed at Mass, we believe in the Communion of Saints. This belief supports and nourishes us as we continue to live out our lives on this side of the veil... and it is a blessing to us all.