What is this life beyond the grave of which our faith speaks? Where does our spirit go when we have, as Shakespeare writes, “shuffled off this mortal coil?” Every day in every way, humankind has wrestled with the issue of immortality.
In Christian tradition, the Church celebrates All Souls Day on November 2nd. This month’s damp and dreary weather in our Western Hemisphere seems to be an ideal time to stop and pray for our loved ones who have gone before us. In churches, we write the names of our dearly departed in a special book of remembrance which remains in a prominent place throughout the month.
Many people ask, Is there really life after death? From earliest days to the present century, philosophers have grappled with the world’s eternal questions. Why are we here? What is the meaning of life? What is the meaning of death? Is there an afterlife?
I too, have thought deeply about the existence of eternal life. At the end of my search, my faith, my upbringing and one defining moment satisfies my query. Several months after my beloved father’s death at age 64, I was walking in the grotto area of our spacious grounds, thinking of all that had transpired since his untimely death. I could feel his comforting spiritual presence as I sometimes did. Suddenly, I sensed a quick “whosh” like air racing upward beside me and a letting go beyond me. I whispered, “O Dad, you’ve gone.” Instantly, I sensed he knew that I would be fine without him. His spirit was in another dimension.
How does one put into words what we know instinctively but cannot explain? Undoubtedly, each of us has had experiences of deceased loved ones being close at hand. However, some experiences are too deep for us to share. Why would anyone believe us anyway?
Every November, I am grateful for our annual All Souls Day to honour departed family members, friends and all those who have died before us, signed with the seal of faith.
- Sister Jean Moylan, csj