Memorial of Saint Cecilia, Virgin and Martyr

Today's Mass Readings

Monks are said to live the “Angelic Life,” because we anticipate heaven, forsaking marriage for the sake of the Kingdom of God and devote ourselves to prayer. We, therefore, point to the resurrection in Christ with our whole lives. The most important aspect of this life is the part that lasts into eternity and is glorified.

This life to come is not just for monks, of course. However, it can be especially painful for widowed persons to suddenly live as single persons when they had chosen a vocation of Matrimony. When a spouse dies, the survivor is called to make the shift to a life that shares in the heavenly one.

I remember being edified by an elderly woman in my parish who was a widow. Although she spoke fondly of her departed husband, she had turned her whole life and energy to prayer and study of the Faith. I had never met a widowed person who was just as eager for the resurrection without any sign of sadness at the loss of her husband. The beatific vision to be shared with him was more important than even their life and family.

Often, we imagine heaven as just an infinite enjoyment of things we currently enjoy on earth. However, our desire and anticipation for it ought to give over what we envision. How much more can we make God alone our joy now, so as to be ready to receive something beyond what we can ask for or imagine?

Reflection by Fr. Pachomius Meade, OSB