Dead spots

The story is told about a man who remarked that in cemeteries and columbaria, the cell phone signal is weak, or none at all. When asked why, his answer was: “Lots of dead spots there.”

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In today’s Gospel (Mt. 5, 1-12a), Jesus teaches His disciples the Beatitudes, the attitudes we should have so we can overcome whatever “dead spots” in our lives, and make us live meaningful lives. That is what conversion is all about—to change our negativities, to rise above them, and replace them with positive values of the kingdom of God.

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Whatever you are going through in life, whatever burdens you have especially during this pandemic—poverty, sadness, failures, disappointments, disunity, persecutions or oppressions—be consoled, indeed, be comforted: “Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.”

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And so it is that in this world, the wise and the smart get going. But we ask: Going where? And for what? Until when? And so it seems that the good, the humble, the kind go nowhere. Though they may not have the wealth, comfort, and the applause of this world, they have the constant awareness of the loving presence of God and His loving nod and approval.

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Today is All Saints’ Day. What is a saint? A saint is one who declares by his words and by his very life: “God is bigger than me.” Saints are those who make a choice that their lives are all about God, not about themselves. Are we anywhere near them? We are sinners, yes, but let’s keep on trying to live for something or someone greater than ourselves. We are all a work in progress.

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Tomorrow is All Souls’ Day. The message is clear and simple: We all will die someday, sooner or later, that’s for sure. The other message is that we have a soul that lives on in eternity. But where? It all depends on the choices you make in your lifetime.

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Papa and Mama always said how happy they are if we their children are united in love. They also told us that their greatest joy is that we will all be united in heaven someday, complete as one family. Simple words of wisdom from our parents. Let us take time and ponder today on the words, the pieces of advice, the hopes, and dreams of those who have gone ahead of us.

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“Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.” And we add: May we, the living, live in peace. Amen.

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Believing in the Communion of Saints, let us ask our faithful departed for their intercession in our collective prayer that the pandemic will end soon; that we be spared from the virus and the typhoon; that we be saved from more natural and political calamities. Amen!

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Sharing with you this timely and meaningful poem: “One Little Rose”: “I would rather have one little rose from the garden of a friend, than to have the choicest flowers when my stay on earth must end; I would rather have one pleasant word, in kindness said to me, than flattery when my heart is still and life has ceased to be; I would rather have a loving smile from friends I know are true, than tears shed around my casket when this world I’ve bid adieu; So bring me flowers today that I can gaze upon, whether pink, or white, or red; I’d rather have one blossom now, than a truckload when I’m dead.” (Effie Schneemilch-Cunha)

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A moment with the Lord: Lord, please help us see and remove the “dead spots” in our lives. Amen.

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