Today our scriptures remind us to “fear no evil.”
Readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/110224.cfm
And, this morning, I want to share two stories with you.
1. Bishop Ricardo Ramirez was the Bishop of Las Cruces [New Mexico] 1982 to 2013.
His Grandma visited a few days before his ordination as a bishop. “Abuela [Grandma] what have you been doing lately?”
She said, “Having a good time.” “What do you do at 90 to have a good time?”
“I’ve been going to funerals.”
“You’ve been having a good time going to funerals.”
“Yes, we drink coffee, tell stories, meet old friends, it is wonderful, we have a great time.”
“Grandma, how can you have a good time when somebody dies?”
She looked straight into the bishop’s eyes and said, “Haven’t you learned yet, it is a privilege to die!” Bishop Ramirez reflected, “In all my years of theological study and reflection, I never heard it put that way.” A couple of weeks later as his grandma was near death, she kept repeating, “I just want to see the face of God.”
What a beautiful way to live while here on earth.
2. The second story is about the ordinary
Mike Billas! Mike’s Dad had Alzheimer’s disease. Every other weekend for ten years Mike drove 85 miles [one way] to his boyhood home to help his mom take care of his dad. Mike was a teacher, a principal, a coach, and a devoted husband. After that ten-year pilgrimage, his dad died in the summer. The November after his dad’s death Mike was diagnosed with cancer shortly after Thanksgiving. Mike was my brother’s best friend; he was 50 years old when he died from stomach cancer. In January, my brother visited Mike and during the visit, he asked Mike if he was mad at God. Mike said “No, Jim – God gave me 50 wonderful years, great parents, super sisters, a loving wife and terrific friends.”
What a wonderful Attitude for any Christian to have, Mike’s last act on this earth was an ordinary one [one that you and I often do], he blessed himself. Then he folded his arms and went home to God. St. Francis de Sales said, “Saints are people who people who do ordinary things extraordinarily well.” This morning as we celebrate and pray for All Souls remember Mike Billas, “In the name ….” and Grandma Ramirez “It’s a privilege to die.”
Spend some time Reflecting on how you are living?
May God Be Blessed.
