We are now approaching the conclusion of the liturgical year. Thus we move towards November 20th and our celebration of Christ the King. This celebration also brings us to the conclusion of the Year of Mercy. As we approach this day the readings of the Mass begin to reflect the reality of death and also the end of time.
Our culture lives in rejection of death, but despite this rejection it is something which we cannot escape. There are many saints who are depicted in art with a skull placed upon their desk. It serves as a reminder of death and thus how it is to be something that we must be prepared for. Saint Gerard kept a skull and crossbones upon his desk in order to remember that life was not long and therefore he would soon face his final judgement before God.
Ultimately death is something which does not have to be feared. Even in our Gospel Christ consoles us with the news of the resurrection of the body. In other words we come to believe and profess that death is not the end, but rather that it is the entry way into eternal life. It is impossible for us to become a saint if we do not first die. Therefore may we order our life in a way which is pleasing to God in order that we too may be like the many saints who have gone before us who have been welcomed into Eternal Life.
If we trust in these words which come forth from the mouth of Christ why would we not strive to be a saint? We are told that through the Resurrection that we will not die a second death. Therefore the body which we are given will be glorified and we will be called into perfect communion with God and thus too all the angels and saints of Heaven.
The month of November makes us also consider the poor souls in Purgatory. Those found in Purgatory have already competed the race and they are now destined for Heaven. There is no in between state for them because they have already been judged as worthy of Heaven. In order to get there they must first be purified of their repented moral sins which have yet to be satisfied and their repented or unrepented venial sins which have yet to be satisfied. They are greatly in need of our prayers and sacrifices in order that they may be called home to Heaven where they will become a saint of the Heavenly Kingdom.
Through these souls for whom we now pray may we see our own need to love God more and more. It must be our goal to get to Heaven and it should also be our goal to love God as much as is possible within this earthly life. Sin keeps us grounded to the here and now, but Christ invites us towards something so much greater. He calls us to love as love was ordered to be and thus He calls us into perfect communion with Him. He calls us to strive to not only be like the saints, but to be saints ourself.
May we be willing to undergo this daily transformation that Christ expects of us. May we keep our sight firmly placed upon death and realize that eventually it will catch up with each of us. There is no escaping death’s grasp. With death will come the final judgement which will be made by God the just judge. May we truly order our life in a manner which is worthy of being called a saint and thus the great gift from gift which is eternal life.
