This little church rests in the heart of Pennsylvania country. The church is truly country in size and location but no doubt brings that country charm to glorifying the Lord. The Tabernacle shines in golden brilliance as our Lord stands above in icon giving the Bread and Wine.
The purpose of this visit though, was not one of rejoicing prior site-seeing.
Just a month and a half after burying her dad, our dear friend, more a sister than just a friend buried her mother last weekend. The funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Hugh’s Catholic Church, Carmichael PA about an hour south of Pittsburgh.
It is always so difficult any time we lose someone so close. The loss wounds our heart so deeply that we can feel even our faith can’t help us.
“For you have died, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” Colossians 3:3-4
In our Emmaus ministry and throughout the Church, we exclaim with bold fervor, “JESUS CHRIST IS RISEN!” Returning this acclamation, “HE IS RISEN INDEED!” It is in times of such loss and deep sorrow that we must hold onto the truth of these words.
Our faith is the one thing that can overcome even death itself. Our faith in Jesus Christ is a powerful weapon when harnessed by trust. It is by this faith that we are saved – death unchecked can and will destroy everything we cherish, even our own heart. But, we hold dear to the truth that Jesus Christ conquered death by His death and to those in the grace He gives life eternal and full.
As we exclaim, “JESUS CHRIST IS RISEN”, He embeds within our heart that He will also raise up our lost loved ones and we WILL someday see them again.
If we know these facts to be irrefutable, why do we cry when we lose someone dear? We should rejoice that their pain is ended, they are more alive a moment after their last heart beat than ever on earth. We don’t shed tears due to lack of faith. The tears come from a deeper longing for God within our souls. In a sense, our loss makes us realize how homesick we are to be with our Father.
Hold onto your faith in times of loss and sorrow. Jesus has conquered death by His death and gives us hope of eternal life with the Trinity in Heaven. When it hurts, remember the love and whisper the words, “Jesus Christ is risen.” For indeed He IS risen. And, we who believe will rise again with Him. The, in faith and loud voice exclaim, “Yes! HE IS RISEN INDEED!”