Endings and beginnings

Here is the text of the reflection I shared with those who came to pray with us this weekend: a time to remember the lives of those who have now left us and rest in the arms of our God, and an occasion for us to look forward in hope to new beginnings.

One thing ends … another begins

During the month of November, the Church remembers and prays especially for our brothers and sisters who have died.  Tonight, Knights of Columbus have come to this place to remember and to pray for our confreres who have shared their joys and sorrows with us in this life, and who are now resting in the arms of our loving God.  Our gathering is meant to bring comfort and consolation to the families of those who have died, and also to be an occasion for us to give thanks for all the good that these brothers have accomplished in this life.  Their legacy will also continue in the chalices that will be sent in their names to various parts of the world in the coming months.

In the gospel passage that we have just heard, Jesus speaks with his disciples about the end which is to come (Mk 13:24).  We live in a finite world, which has definite beginnings and ends, but there is always a part of the human heart that puzzles over unknown realities: like whether there really is life after death.  Jesus reassures his disciples (including us) that physical death is not the end of the story.  In fact, when our physical life comes to an end, another life begins.  In those days … they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds … He will send out the Angels and gather his elect … from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven (Mk 13:26-27).

We who spend our earthly lives toiling for everything that we have, will eventually be rewarded for our labours.  Jesus’ words paint a picture, almost a scene that will come to pass while we are mere observers. It seems strange that we should have to undergo such trial in this life while the life to come is portrayed almost as a time of leisure by comparison, but that is the result of Adam's fall.  In the meanwhile, we have the protection of the angels, like Michael, the great prince.  According to Daniel’s vision, Michael will defend us, and we shall be delivered … those who sleep will awake either to everlasting life or to everlasting shame (cf Dan 12:1-2).

While we await the moment of final judgement, we have the promise of Christ who has offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins (Heb 10:12), so that we can always count on his mercy and forgiveness.  In fact, Pope Francis has called for a special Jubliee Year of Mercy to take place beginning on December 8 of this year.  This Extraordinary Jubilee Year will be an occasion for new beginnings.  More details about the Year of Mercy will be made known very soon.

Speaking of new beginnings, our Diocesan Church is experiencing a new beginning at this very moment.  Every bishop is required by Church law to submit his resignation from pastoral governance once he reaches his 75^th birthday.  For the past 28 years, Jean-Louis Plouffe has served as the shepherd of our Diocese, but since he celebrated his 75^th birthday on October 29 of this year, he was required to submit his letter of resignation.  The Pope chose to accept his resignation earlier this week, and to appoint a new Bishop for the Diocese of Sault Ste. Marie.

On Thursday (November 12), the Holy Father, Pope Francis named His Excellency, Marcel Damphousse as our new shepherd.  He will begin his episcopal ministry among us on January 13.  The Mass of Installation will take place at the Pro-Cathedral of the Assumption.  Until that time, Bishop Plouffe has been appointed as Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese.  That means that while he is no longer the Bishop of the Diocese, he will continue to serve until his successor officially arrives.  A brief biography of our new Bishop is included in the bulletin this weekend.

Every ending brings with it a new beginning.  While we give thanks for all that has been, we should also pray that this new beginning in the life of the diocese will be an occasion for all God’s people to be renewed by the Lord’s gift of mercy and to rediscover the joy that comes with the knowledge that all things are made new.