A Personal Story

Fr Ireneusz Czech SDS offers us a personal reflection

I remember that the Solemnity of All Saints was always a special occasion in Poland where I grew up. Every year on 1 November cemeteries were full of people visiting the graves of the dearly departed. The same situation was happening on All Souls’ Day. Most of the population didn’t work on those two days. People could go to the cemetery and pray for their deceased relatives and friends. Even atheists visited their dead loved ones paying their respects.

On one occasion, I came back to the cemetery at night. Together with my brother Andrew we took a few photographs. Snow covered the graves. The marble crosses indicated the final resting places of our family members, friends and neighbours.

There was no need for electricity or torches. The light coming from thousands of candles illuminated the whole cemetery.

It was a scene both beautiful and poignant. Each time I reflect upon the Gospel of Lazarus, that night’s visit to the cemetery comes to my mind. The thought of the light coming from the candles continues to remind me of the souls of those buried who are alive in Jesus - the Light of the world!

We, Christians, are united with one another for eternity. Not even physical death can ever separate us! The communion of saints is a reality we belong to because of the redemptive work of our loving Saviour. Let us remember it each time we look at the Paschal candles placed in our parish churches near the baptismal fonts.

Reflection Questions for Discussion

1. What are you hearing most clearly today from the Gospel text and the accompanying reflection?

Closing Prayer

2. To what degree are you comfortable with a thought that you too will have to depart from this world one day?

3. Remembering St Irenaeus’ words, do you have the courage to be fully alive?

4. Are you able to accept that God loves you so much that He wants to spend the whole of eternity with you?

Loving God, I give thanks for Your word today. Allow it to shape my life; and enliven my efforts to put it into practice. Bless my Lenten journey so that with Your help, I may be able to turn to You with a change of heart that opens up new pathways of prayer and friendship. Give me the grace and wisdom to recognise Jesus as my light and my life; and draw me more genuinely into unity with Your people, the Church, so that we may all be one in Christ. Amen