"CEMETERY REMINDERS"

The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed

2 Mc 12: 43 – 46 / Ps 103 / Rom 8: 31 – 35. 37 – 39 / Jn 14: 1 – 6

Every November 1 and 2, cemeteries in the Philippines become crowded with living people. Aside from offering prayers for the dead, cemeteries become venues for reunions and even “party – party.” Aside from lighting candles, eating has become an activity inside cemeteries. We, Filipinos, are so kind enough to even set aside food for our beloved dead. However, every time we visit a cemetery, we are reminded of two realities in life:

First, the reality that our beloved dead are no longer with us physically. We can no longer see, touch, hear, and even taste them. We can no longer crack jokes with them. We can no longer play around with them. And of course, we can no longer quarrel with them and make some “singil sa ilang mga utang.” Yes, it is a very painful reality but it is the truth. Thus, in the face of death, we cannot but accept such truth despite its pain.

Second, yes, cemeteries remind us of death’s inescapability and the physical absence of our beloved dead, yet, as Christians it also reminds us of our faith in Jesus Christ. Amidst the pain of losing a loved one, we continue to draw strength from the words of Jesus in our Gospel today, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me.” And why faith in God? Because Jesus assures us that in his Father’s house “there are many dwelling places.” And he has gone up to heaven to prepare a place for us. Faith, then, is important in the experience of death. Pope Francis in Lumen Fidei beautifully gives an analogy on what faith is. For the Pope, faith is not like “a light inside a room that scatters darkness. Rather, it is like a lamp which one carries along the darkness. Yet the light of the lamp is enough to guide you towards your destination.” He further tells us that “to those who suffer, God will not give explanations. Rather, he will give you his accompanying presence.” Faith, is therefore, God’s accompanying presence in our lives no matter how dark is our journey. And such faith is needed every time we experience a death of a loved one.

In the Philippines, most cemeteries have the so-called, “Dakung Krus,” or a space where people can light candles for the forgotten souls. Usually, an image of the Risen Christ or the Cross of Christ is placed on this part of the cemetery. Aside from being a place dedicated for the forgotten ones, the “Dakung Krus” is a concrete reminder that what gathers us together both the living and dead is Jesus Christ himself for he is the “way, the truth, and life.”

Eternal rest, grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen!

Photo taken from thegreatsouthernbrainfart.com