Thought for the Week

During the past year we have been reminded of the great loss of life during the Great War, especially the loss of young lives

As we enter the month of November our thoughts turn to all those who have graced our lives, but are now no longer with us.

As long as we remember them they are still alive.

In very many families the goodness of those who have departed will be recalled and celebrated.

Having passed three score and ten, I meet many people from our town who tell stories of people we have known in our youth.

We can sometimes be selective in what we remember and often exaggerate the good qualities of those who have passed away.

We recall with great fondness those who have helped us in our youth and how they listened to us, guided and encouraged us.

“The souls of the virtuous are in the hands of God” (Wisdom 3:1). It can often take a long time for us to recover from the physical loss of someone that we love.

The gift of believing in an afterlife can be a great help as the tears subside.

Jesus said: “I am going now to prepare a place for you, and after I have gone and prepared you a place, I shall return to take you with me, so that where I am you may be too.” (John 14:3-4).

Being with those we love again is very important to us.

That is why we sometimes feel their presence as they look in on us and wish us well. Father Patrick Hennessy, St Columbkille’s Church