“But to merit this happiness, let’s not tire of fighting during this exile. Let’s despise the world and it’s false gods. In vain would we seek our happiness in them. It will benefit us greatly to receive nothing from the world but ingratitude and opposition. This will detach us from it and attach us closely to God alone.” (St. Joan Antide-Thouret)
One of the most powerful images that left a profound mark on my soul was that of seeing one of my brothers and later my dad in an open casket. They were pale, lifeless, and looked so much older…they were gone. Not only did this bring a healthy “closure”, but it also reminded me that I too will eventually depart from this world. Too many wakes today have closed caskets, or simply ashes…personally, I believe that the benefits of closure and deep reflection on our own mortality are being lost or at least lessened as a result. We are all pilgrims journeying through this world; our true and eternal homeland is in heaven!
