Remembering the Dead With Hope – I Believe in the Resurrection of the Dead
I offer again this reflection about our faith and belief in the resurrection. This month of November, we are inscribing the names of those we wish to pray for in the Book of Remembrance. Many of our parishioners offer prayers and request a Mass be offered for their loved one who has died. Today I wish to invite you to reflect on our faith in the RESURRECTION. Our faith in the resurrection grows our hope. Our Sunday readings have articulated very well the reality of the resurrection from the dead. When we offer Mass, we always proclaim the mystery of faith. This is such a unique opportunity because, during this time, we speak to Jesus Christ. Often at Mass, we speak to the Father through Jesus in the Holy Spirit. When speaking to Jesus during the Mystery of Faith, we are acknowledging the substantial change that has happened at consecration. Jesus is truly with us, and his real presence is certain. Our response to the priest’s invitation at this time makes clear our faith in the resurrection.
“We proclaim your Death, O Lord, and profess your Resurrection, until you come again.”
“When we eat this Bread and Drink this Cup, we proclaim your Death, O Lord, until you come again.”
“Save us, Savior of the world, for by your Cross and Resurrection you have set us free.”
As followers of Jesus, through our baptism, we are united with Jesus Christ’s death, and we shall also rise with him. Thus, our memorials for the dead gain hope because of the promise of the resurrection.
The miracle of every Mass enables the believer to grow closer to God, who is alive. Also, our celebration of the Eucharist enriches our hope of seeing our loved ones in the new resurrection. This is to say, as we remember the dead, we also stand before the living God, Jesus Christ risen from the dead, in hope of the resurrection. Our Creed helps us to keep this truth alive.
According to our Catechism, “the Christian Creed - the profession of our faith in God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and in God's creative, saving, and sanctifying action - culminates in the proclamation of the resurrection of the dead on the last day and in life everlasting” (CCC 988). Therefore, I invite you to make a visit to the graves of loved ones to pray for them and to offer Masses and prayers for the dead. Also, rejoice in the resurrection of Jesus through frequent reception of Holy Communion. Offer your sufferings for the dead in joy. The resurrection of Jesus is our certain hope.
Jesus thy kingdom come! In my heart through Mary! ~Fr. Gabriel