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All Souls I don’t know about you but I am always amazed at how different funerals are out with the Catholic Church. The services very often imitate or mimic things that would be familiar to us. In place of hymns, there is the person’s favourite songs. In place of the sermon or homily a few amusing events in a person’s life. In place of the prayers an invitation to think well of the person. In place of any blessing or commendation of the person, there is an indication that this body is just like any piece of matter it will now merely fade away. How different all of this from our own Catholic funerals and prayers for the dead. The human body that lies before us instead of being some insignificant piece of matter we are reminded is created by God in his own image and likeness. This body through baptism has been a temple of the Holy Spirit. This body in its last moments on earth should be considered to be of the greatest value. In these last moments from death to laying to rest should be dealt with the greatest respect. Prayers are recommended at home or in an appropriate place, where it is possible a body should be brought home. The body is taken to the Church to lie in rest before the main altar on the night before. In the morning the greatest prayer of the Mass is offered for the person in which everyone is invited to attend. In our prayers we ask God in his mercy to grant forgiveness of sins and a place in eternal life and heaven to this person. There may often be a time of purification in which our prayers are important for Holy Souls to come to heaven, the Church never forgets this and prays unceasingly for all who need prayers. During the course of the Mass hymns are sung, readings read, prayers are said that lift our mind from the sorrow of the present time to God who is the heart and source of everything.The priest blesses with holy water the coffin, a reminder of the person’s baptism and incenses the coffin, a sign of the prayers that rise to heaven like the smoke. How different all of this is from other things on offer. In our Catholic funeral and in our prayers for the dead we are not in the dark. We are not confused what a human body and life is about. We are not confused about where the end of all things are leading to. We are not lost in a world or a forest of different ideas. We know that we are created by God and that he wants all things to be saved, for all to sit down at the heavenly feast. This is the work of our life and we hope that our faith and good works will lead us there. This morning we are especially conscious of our own life and all who have died in our own life. How different all these people have been, so different. Some funny and humorous others serious. Some hard working others not so. Some have had hard lives others easy ones. Some very good, others not so. But today we are conscious that we have a duty to pray for all who have died. Only God knows what is in a person’s heart and life. We hope that our prayers may speed people to heaven. Today please be mindful of those who have no one to pray for them. This day reminds us that we think differently. This day reminds us that we are living differently. This day reminds us that we are living by the light of faith. That we are only specks of sand on the seashore , one of those small lights in the sky, but the greatest thing is that we are loved by God, and the love of God doesn’t want anything to die or cease to exist. Prayers of the Faithful All Souls Priest We pray to God who invites us to sit down with him at peace in the heavenly banquet, for the needs of the Church and the world Intercessor For the Church that it may recognise that it lives by the light of hope and faith Lord hear us For those who lead in the Church, that they may always preach the hope of Christ’s resurrection and the power of his cross Lord hear us For those who mourn a family member or friend – that they will receive God’s promise consolation and strength Lord hear us For the poor and the suffering that they may receive the help and assistance of the Good Samaritan Lord hear us For all who have died, especially all who have been buried from this church over the last year and all those who have a special place in our prayers Lord hear us Priest Heavenly Father, We believe you, we trust in you, we hope in you. Continue to strengthen us and help us to be more faithful to you in our lives. Top Comment on this Homily |