Death has no dominion

3/16/11

We began the session with reflection on the gospel.  Normally, we do this during the communion service along with the congregation, but today Fr. Ron celebrated Mass and gave a homily. When he is not here, the gospel is read twice, once as we stand, then after we are seated, I encourage the 12-18 women to close their eyes and listen a second time with their hearts. All are then given the opportunity to tell the rest of the group, what they think the scripture is saying to them today. One person starts and then after reflecting, invites another and then another until all have either contributed or passed.  No one is left out. I am always last. I answer questions and also clarify Catholic teachings since we have non Catholics in the group.

I am always surprised by how the Holy Spirit speaks so strongly in the hearts of all these women. But today it is just the six of us.  I see that they are growing strong in understanding of scripture. They are also becoming fearless in speaking out about what they interpret in the Sunday readings.  Last week, we listened as RS took all three readings and pondered what they meant. She reflected and linked the passages and interwoven themes back to all of us.  The topic was justification by faith and not works. At one point, frustrated because she felt that she wasn't saying it right, she stopped. Then, we all encouraged her to continue, because we did understand what she was saying, and it was very powerful. I was proud of her. It took great courage to do that.

After reflecting on the gospel this week, we took up the Chapter titled "Death Shall Have No Dominion." As part of their homework, they were given a medical explanation of crucifixion to contemplate.

DB spoke first. She relayed that this week has been filled with thoughts of death, even to the point of having nightmares. It is not a subject she wants to face. TS shared her thoughts on the handout. She was appalled by the horror of crucifixion. We see the crucifix and the tortured body of Jesus on the cross so often that we are made numb to the reality of the suffering Jesus endured before his death. RS points out that in spite of his pain, Jesus' last words from the cross are filled with forgiveness, compassion and prayer.

Next we talk about death and how hard it is to loose someone close. We all agree that none of us is ready to die. The mood becomes very gloomy. How can we not feel terribly down and sad about death? DB is the first to say that she is glad to know that her loved ones are with God.  All agree that it is something to be glad about that, and we know that heaven is a better place, but none of us is ready for that yet.

In trying to change the somber mood, I remind them that we should not focus solely on the death of Jesus. We must focus even more so on his glorious Resurrection.  We should remember that our God is an awesome and powerful God. We have seen His might in the Old Testament. In the miracle of the Resurrection, God shows us how very much He cares for us and that even death has no hold on those he chooses to be his own. We should delight in this promise.

Dear Prayer Pals, MS reminds me each week to tell you all that she prays for you Every Day and they all chime in that they are all praying for you too.  Thank You for your prayers.  - krr