There is some debate about how to resolve the problem of the cracks in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in the nation's capital. The New York Times provides a report and a video on this topic. Care and respect for the remains of our loved ones is a duty and a ministry in the lives of Christians.
All of us have family members and friends buried in cemeteries. Their graves are probably not marked by a monument like that for the Unknown Soldier. There may be only a plaque or no mark at all. Still, there lie the remains of our loved ones until the Lord wakens them to glory.
For many, visits to the cemetery are frequent and very meaningful. For others, the cemetery may be a difficult place to visit or one which fails to draw them. My ministry often brings me to gravesides but I almost never visit the graves of my own loved ones. I count myself much closer to them at Mass when we celebrate at the altar, the table which is for us a share in the feast of heaven which Christ has prepared for us.
Whether we are frequent visitors to cemeteries or not, we pray in this Month of All Souls for those who are interred there.
May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace...
A question: When I first posted a piece on the Month of All Souls it was not my plan to do so daily through November - but here we are half way through the month! I realize that these entries are somber and touch vulnerable places within us all. Are you finding these reflections helpful? worth continuing? Do you have any questions your might like to see addressed under the heading Month of All Souls?
I have found all of the postings have given me another opportunity to reflect in ways I may not have done so before. There are so many ordinary things we may see, visit, experience that can bring us "back" to remembering in many different ways. I am not a cemetary visitor but also can feel a definite closeness at Mass. I always look forward to the "Litany of the Saints" and when that is sung I absolutely feel surrounded.
ReplyDeleteConcord Pastor, I don't remember which post you commented about cremation, but I would be interested to know how the Church's teaching has evolved on this subject. I believe you said the Church still prefers non-cremation to cremation. I have tended to think that because we are running out of space to bury people, cremation would be a better choice. I don't know the theology behind this and would like to know more. Thanks.
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