For detailed information and suggestions for the month visit https://wwws.marfam.org.za/thoughts-november

NOVEMBER overview.  Family Losses and Endings.  Losses big and small are inevitable experiences of daily life. Birth, growth, decline and death are the natural cycle of every element of creation.  For inanimate creatures it may be a painless letting go, or a cataclysmic event. Death and decay are in some instances also a source of renewal of the land.  Extinction is a serious matter for the animal and plant kingdoms. For us as humans, created with special capabilities and gifts to love and hurt and forgive, this time of the year, as the liturgical year draws to a close,  is a special time to remember life and death and their Creator as well as ultimate resurrection and reunion with our loved ones.

COMMUNAL PRAYER FOR THE DEAD.  God, Our Father, we remember in prayer those who have had a special place  in our hearts and in our lives and are now no longer here with us.  We thank you Lord, for the gift of life we have shared together.  We ask forgiveness for the hurts we caused and forgive our loved ones too. Comfort us through the memories they leave us. May those memories give us courage for our journey into the future. Grant them a place of peace and joy in your kingdom where there is no more suffering and grief.  And when each of us is called to depart from this life May we be reunited with them in eternal happiness.    Amen

November 1.  Sunday All Saints. SEE.  Fr Teddy asked the congregation, “Why do you suppose the gospel for this feast is the Beatitudes?  I have been wondering about that myself until I realised that the qualities of those mentioned there are in fact the qualities of saints.  You know that St Paul called his people saints while they were still alive, but we tend to think of saints only after death and a process of canonisation.  But let’s try to be saints in the way Paul saw it and live the beatitudes in our lives, our family lives.  On top of that of course we must reflect on the saints in heaven. Who is your favourite? It can be a fun activity to do, to think about and even research some saints at home and share who and why we admire those saints. Mine is  Brother Juniper, one of St Francis’ original companions but also a popular cartoon character.  Do check him out! ” 

JUDGE. Reflect, share, Scripture:  The Beatitudes:  Blessed are the poor in Spirit.   Blessed are the merciful, those that mourn, those that hunger and thirst for justice.  Blessed are the peacemakers and the pure in heart. Matthew 5. Pope Francis:  Blessed are the open hands that bring hope, that reach beyond every barrier of culture, religion and nationality and pour the balm of consolation over the wounds of humanity.  Blessed are the open hands that ask nothing in exchange; they are hands that call down God’s blessing.  From Message World Day of the Poor.  Pope Leo:    In a Church that recognises in the poor the face of Christ and in material goods the instrument of charity, Augustine’s though remains a sure light.  Today, fidelity to Augustine’s teachings requires not only the study of his words  but also a readiness to live radically his call to conversion, which necessarily includes the service of charity. DT 47.

SPECIAL PRAYERS FOR THIS TIME – to download, print, and keep for use during the month along with pious lists. Families could create a small home altar with mementoes of those they wish to remember and pray for.