12 November. Sunday 32A.   Father Daniel with the Parish Family Team  had started a group of bereaved parents. “This is for your support of one another, “he said. “The group will meet once a month but you are free to meet informally with one another at any time.  “Hope is the one concept I have to hold on to,” Mrs Peters shared with her friend Joey, as she sat weeping quietly. “How could a young boy like him, on the brink of life die in such a gruesome accident.  I know he hadn’t been a regular church goer since he was confirmed but I hope that his faith and my prayers even helped him to make his peace with God in those moments before he died.”  As she comforted her friend Joey reflected on the troubling situation around wild-life poaching a passionate interest of hers.  “Animals also have feelings” she thought. “How many grieving rhino, elephant or pangolin families there must be too.”  

Reflect, share, Scripture.    We would not have you ignorant, brethren concerning those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.  1 Thes. 4:13-14.   Pope Francis How can we even begin to understand the grief of parents who have lost a child? It is as if time stops altogether, a chasm opens to engulf both past and future. How many people – I can understand them – get angry with God. AL254.   It consoles us to know that those who die do not completely pass away and faith assures us that the risen Lord will never abandon us. AL256.    Action and prayer:  Remember in prayer the needs of all creatures who have loved and lost.