April 26.  Jock shared, “I know that it is over two years since we were faced with the stresses and ravages of COVID, and even now there are cases cropping up here and there all the time. Every time I hear of a new case it brings back to me the terrible experience we had when my beloved wife was infected and after some weeks she died. I and our son were also infected but fortunately recovered. We knew of other cases, but one is never fully prepared for the ultimate reality. Each of us in the family went through weeks of grieving on our own but gradually we did learn to share our thoughts and feelings with one another as I know the Holy Spirit came to comfort us.  Over time too I have found a new interest and a joy in the many facets of caring for creation, fully aware that it too is facing a struggle for survival.  My professional experience has been a great outlet for me there.

Reflect, share, pray. Scripture:   Jesus said, “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. in my Father’s house are many rooms. I go to prepare a place for you. I will come again and will take you to myself that where I am you may be also.” John 14:1-6.   Pope Francis:   Ordinarily the grieving process takes a fair amount of time.  With a sincere and patient process of prayer and interior liberation, peace returns. We help the grieving person to realise that after the loss of a loved one we still have a mission to carry out and it does us no good to prolong the suffering as if it were a form of tribute. Our loved ones are not lost in the shades of nothingness, hope assures us that they are in the good strong hands of God.  AL 255-6.