November 2nd returns every year, of course.
And every year, too, it brings back to our minds the recollection that, one day,… we will leave this abode of ours.
We will cross to… the other shore and start, yes, a new life.
Some are much afraid of this happening.
Some say they don’t care.
Others do their best not to think of the eventuality.
Yet… the eventuality, nay the reality of this happening, will not go away.
How will we live this experience of… passage, of transformation?
It is said that the Italian artist Raphael’s last word was simply: “Happy”.
The very word of yesterday’s gospel message as we celebrated the Feast of all Saints.
It is reported that, as he was dying of fever (malaria) and exhaustion, Raphael kept working at the face of Christ in his painting of The Transfiguration.
A fitting way of being faithful to Jesus words:
“Blessed is that servant whose master returns and finds him doing his work” (Mt.24:46).
Will we deserve this blessing ourselves?
Our occupation need not be a work of art or an exceptional achievement.
The only ‘masterpiece’ that the Lord expects from each one of us is faithfulness in using to the full the talents he has given to us – only this but… all of this!
Note: Another reflection on a different theme is available in French at: https://image-i-nations.com/commemoration-fideles-defunts-2-novembre-annee-a/
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