Spiritual Reflection

Next weekend is Memorial Day weekend. It is sometimes referred to as the beginning of Summer. But it is probably more known as the weekend of the INDIANAPOLIS 500 . It is also the time for the main draw matches of the French Open in tennis.

But Memorial Day is really about remembering those who have died from our families and of course all the veterans who lost their lives in service of our country.

I was reminded of the importance of remembering those who have gone before us a couple of weeks ago. I was asked to lead a prayer service and then bless some 5000 graves of Slovenians in Pueblo, CO and another 2000 of those who were lost in a flood and fire which destroyed much of their city. It was spiritually moving.

It is important that we visit cemeteries and pray in gratitude for those who have died so that we always keep that connection open. Take the grandkids to visit family plots and tell them the history of those who are buried there..Then they can pass that connection on.

Every time I go back to my hometown of La Salle, IL, I make sure I visit mom and dad’s graves. It is always a prayerful, grateful and hope-filled visit, especially remembering all the good times with them. I also frequently visit the Vincentian Community Cemetery in Perryville, MO as seen in the above picture.

So, I encourage you to visit the cemetery this memorial weekend and spend some time in prayer. It is always a peaceful place and a good opportunity to remember and thank God for those who have made our lives of faith so much better.

And in the words spoken so peacefully at a funeral, “Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord. May they rest in peace”.…