First Sunday of Advent
Deacon Robert Banet
I just got back from Uncle Ed’s funeral.
So?
It was kind of sad.
Well, that’s to be expected.
Yes, but also sad in another way.
Oh?
Yes. There was so much talking about celebrating his life. His habits, his favorite teams. Even how much beer he could drink. All the honors he had won.
Ah yes, there’s a lot of that.
And the funeral directors had mounted a showing of pictures of him and his family and I don’t know what all.
That’s a feature of wakes nowadays. But was there talk about Purgatory and praying for the deceased?
Not that I noticed. I even had to scrounge around to find an envelope for a Mass stipend.
I agree with you. There should be more talk about praying for the dead. About Purgatory. About Gregorian Masses. And another thing.
Yes?
It would be a good occasion to talk about death. About our own deaths.
Yes, about the uncomfortable fact that all of us living are going to face that moment in our own lives.
I think the spirit of the world has gained some territory in this area.
I agree. May Uncle Ed’s soul rest in peace.
And may all the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace.
Amen.