November 22.  At the widowed retreat the group prayed the Stations of the Cross for Widowed People. Each reflection  dwelt on an event in the Passion of Jesus but also related it to the experiences of their own painful journey of “Becoming widowed.”  “You know why we have a 15th Station,” Antonette asked. “The 15th Station is a reflection on hope.  Because all of us, who miss our spouses so much, have a need to see them again, to know that death is not the end and that they are with God, waiting for us, to be reunited. 

Reflect, share, act. Scripture:  Those who are accounted worthy to attain to the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage for they cannot die any more, being sons of the resurrection.  Luke 20:27-40.   Pope Francis:   Indeed for your faithful people Lord, life is changed not ended, and when this earthly dwelling turns to dust an eternal dwelling is made ready for them in heaven. From Preface for the Dead. The better we live on this earth, the greater the happiness we will be able to share with our loved ones in heaven. AL 258. Jubilee.  21. What, then, will become of us after death? With Jesus, beyond this threshold we will find eternal life, consisting in full communion with God as we forever contemplate and share in his infinite love. All that we now experience in hope, we shall then see in reality. We are reminded of the words of Saint Augustine: “When I am one with you in all my being, there will be no more pain and toil; my life shall be true life, a life wholly filled by you”.  What will characterize this fullness of communion? Being happy. Happiness is our human vocation, a goal to which all aspire.  SNC21      Act and Pray for compassionate concern for those suffering loss in their families.