Memento Mori: Holding Onto What Matters Most in Life and Death

Today’s Homily, on All Souls‘ Day, . . .

. . . tells the story of a grieving family mourning their only daughter. When the priest arrives, people expect answers and consolation . . . but instead, he sits at the coffin and weeps with them. His tears silently communicate that death, pain, and loss are real, and sometimes there are no words . . . only presence and love.

Memento Mori

The message extends to all who mourn: the Church stands with us in grief and points us to Christ, who also wept for His friend Lazarus. Jesus shares in our suffering, prays with us, and leads us to eternal life. The reading reminds us that nothing . . . not even death . . . can separate us from God’s love and that we are created for eternal glory.

We are encouraged to remember death, to hold onto what truly matters . . . Christ . . . and to live well, knowing our time on earth is limited. Commemorating the dead comforts us, honors them, and reminds us that one day we too will be prayed for. May the souls of the departed rest in peace

Listen to this Meditation Media: Listen to:

Memento Mori: Holding Onto What Matters Most in Life and Death

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Memento Mori . . .
. . . is a Latin phrase that means:

“Remember that you will die.”

It is a spiritual reminder used throughout Christian history . . . especially by monks and saints . . . to keep life in perspective. The point is not to inspire fear, but to encourage:

• humility
• living with purpose
• focusing on what truly matters (our soul and love of God)
• readiness to meet the Lord

In other words, Memento Mori invites us to live well by remembering that earthly life is temporary and eternal life is our true destination.

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Art Work

All Souls’ Day: Czech Painter: Jakub Schikaneder: 1888