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What we have learned and put into practice or at least hold deep in the memory box of life?s experience is worth more than gold. A house may burn, objects of value rust or corrode or possessions are lost or stolen! Experiences are forever, even if they are not always desired or brought up to the front page of life. Our Scripture readings for this week want us to know that death is a reality and while we all have experienced it most just don?t like to discuss or think about it. We are a lot like the child who realized at the death of his dog that he wanted to be with the dog but prayed to God that while he hoped to go to heaven and be with his pet someday but later rather than sooner! Or the young lady who in thinking about death stated, ?This is even too much for dial ? a ? prayer! What?s the number for dial-a-whole-church!?

Last things; death, heaven, hell and judgment are real but not desired topics for thought, reading, discussion or reflection. Even having experienced the death or passing of family, friends, neighbors and others, we push away the topic or use words like ?gone? ?passed? but not death. Our Scripture readings are apocalyptic. Apocalyptic literature existed and still exists to show us that that there will be a final showdown between good and evil. The Prophet Daniel in the Old Testament gives us frightening images and then turns to its true purpose of offering hope. Jesus was a wise teacher and the Gospel of Mark presents the last things that Jesus said before His Passion began. While the reality of death is probably the last thing we want to consider, it is real and is closer to us after the moment of birth than anything else!

Experience tells us to be prepared and that is the reason for these readings and the end of the church year that comes soon. If we live each day in, with and through our faith and trust in Jesus then we have nothing to fear but should have hope in Him who has promised us eternal life. Like it or not when the last trumpet sounds, we are all ?outta here.? Hence we must live today not surprised or afraid but in faith, hope and love.

November is a month when Catholics remember those who are part of the Communion of Saints and the Faithful Departed. There is a oneness of all who have lived and died. With the Saints, we are one as we try to imitate them and learn from their life experiences how to live our faith. We look to how they lived this life, not with their present haloes and floating bodies in heaven! We pray for, recall stories and events and as we get older realize how many habits and traits we presently live from the lives of those who have died. Thus we are thankful for these people who are the foundation stones of our lives and the experiences they gave us.

This week we give thanks for all the positive and negative experiences of life and love as we celebrate Thanksgiving Day. The experience of gratitude can help us to be grounded in hope and in the present. To focus on what I am thankful for and not live in the past both its good and bad and not be anxious about the future is to live and experience faith. To be open to receive, live and acknowledge the graces and blessings of the now, today, is to experience the present in joy and hope and not drift on the current of memory or float in the fantasy of the future. Experience and enjoy today!

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Source: http://registercitizen.com/articles/2012/11/17/news/doc50a7cecbc9f60336526745.txt

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