As this year draws quickly to a close, it is time for a quick and timely review. Two funeral celebrations; one for Margaret and one yet to come for Sue. In these circumstances they give us a good context to make this review as we celebrated the Feast of all the Saints and Holy Souls. Life has great difficulties or challenges. I have to acknowledge that in my life I have been very fortunate, well provided for, and tend to make mountains out of mole hills. But in my ministry I am very aware that this is not the case for many, and life can have great suffering and loss. My best response remains “these are the trials through we triumph, by the power of Him who loves us”. Margaret Piegrome’s funeral service was a very good expression of this. Remembrance of all her contributions to our lives, her willingness to use all her talents and to embrace every occasion to the best of her ability, enriching her and our lives, was her great achievement.
As we draw so close to the end of our year in faith, it is inevitable that we are going to die. We should look forward to the glory of God. For me, I settled for meeting my mum, Maura, that I was so privileged to have as my mum, with my dad who provided for eight children, sent some off to boarding school and lived with great pain and affliction, supported by his faith, and as mentioned his special devotions to the Stations of the Cross.
I am sure that they share the glory of heaven.