Father's Reflection 5.7.23

John 14:1-3

“Do not let your hearts be troubled.  You have faith in God; have faith also in me.  In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places.  If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be (Jn.14:1-3).”

Friends, this weekend’s Gospel happens to be the most popular funeral selection out there and it is easy to see why.  It is a very consoling thought, that Our Lord is preparing a place for each one of us, so that where He is we also may be.  That aside, consider how rare it is to observe a holy death these days.  Rarer still, accepting death with peace.  The saints kept death before their eyes every day, by observing the Stations of the Cross and the meditations which accompany them – which always involve petitioning the Divine Assistance for the grace of a happy and holy death.  Furthermore, the saints were also known to pray for the grace of accepting whatever death Our Lord wills.  Quite a novel idea for your average American today.  Petitioning the Divine Assistance for the grace of a happy and holy death and one that He chooses, not us.  Food for thought.  As is this weekend’s Gospel which reveals such tremendous hope for life after death.