We have begun the month of November,

A time of darkness, a time when all in nature seems to die or fall asleep, a time of death.  It is a time as you know when as Catholics we remember in a special way our loved ones

The Word o God gives us hope that death is not the end

At a funeral we might not hear these words due to pain, loss grief, tears

Today we get a chance to hear these powerful words

Banquet of rich food, destroy death forever

He has saved us

Lord is my light and help  ( My Shepherd)

Hope is not deceptive, because the Love of God has been poured into our hearts

Christ died for us and we were reconciled to God through his death

Come to me all you who labour and are overburdened  …

There was a woman who had been diagnosed with a terminal illness and had been given three months to live.  So as she was getting her things “in order,” she contacted her priest and had him come to her house to discuss certain aspects of her final wishes.  She told him which songs she wanted sung at the funeral, what scriptures she would like read, and what outfit she wanted to be buried in. The woman also requested to be buried with her favourite Bible.  Everything was in order and the priest was preparing to leave when the woman suddenly remembered something very important to her. “There’s one more thing,” she said excitedly. “What’s that?” the priest replied. “This is very important,” the woman continued.  “I want to be buried with a fork in my right hand.” The priest stood looking at the woman, not knowing quite what to say. “That surprises you, doesn’t it?” the woman asked. “Well, to be honest, I am puzzled by the request,” said the priest.  The woman explained.  “In all my years of attending church socials and potluck dinners, I always remember that when the dishes of the main course were being cleared, someone would inevitably lean over and say, ‘Keep your fork.’ It was my favourite part because I knew that something better was coming like chocolate cake or apple pie. Something wonderful, and with substance!  So, I just want people to see me there in that coffin with a fork in my hand and I want them to wonder, What’s with the fork?’ Then I want you to tell them: ‘Keep your fork the best is yet to come.’

Like the lady with the fork, let us believe that “The best is yet to come”

As we remember and pray for our loved ones who have died – let us pray that our faith in the risen lord will give us the confidence that we will see them again.