SND BLOGS

Catholic Faith Corner

Living in the Light
of Jesus Christ

Sea of Galilee at Sunrise

Catholic Faith Corner

Living in the Light
of Jesus Christ

Death and Eternal Life, a reflection

Lake Erie copyThis morning my mother died after a long life. As someone pointed out, most of her life is still ahead of her! When I send a sympathy card, I insert a reflection on death. Today I am posting it for you…and for me, as a reminder:

Life Is Eternal

I am standing upon the seashore.

A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze

and starts for the blue ocean.

She is an object of beauty and strength,

and I stand and watch her until at length

she hangs like a speck of white cloud

just where the sea and sky come down to mingle with each other.

Then someone at my side says, “There! she’s gone.”

Gone where? Gone from my sight; that is all.

She is just as large in mast and hull and spare

as she was when she left my side

and just as able to bear her load of living freight

to the place of destination.

Her diminished size is in me, not in her;

and just at the moment when someone at my side says,

“There! she’s gone,”

there are other eyes watching her coming,

and other voices ready to take up the glad shout,

“There she comes!”

 

When you are face-to-face with the mystery of death, what thought gives you comfort?

7 Responses

  1. Sister Kathleen,

    My deepest and heartfelt consolation to you for the loss of your Mom.

    November is truly a holy month. May she rest in eternal peace with all the angels, saints, and all your loved ones. May our dear Lord give you His comfort. Thank you for the hopeful reflection.

    With my prayers,

    Mary Day

  2. Kathleen,

    What a profound and beautiful reflection on death! And what a wonderful mother God gave to you and your siblings. I will always remember her radiant smile, her kindness and generosity, and her great sense of humor. Thank you for sharing her with me throughout the years.

    With love and prayer,
    Helen

  3. Thank you so much for the beautiful reflection on passing to eternal life.
    Many prayers and much support for you and your siblings at this time.
    Pray to her–she is still your mother. 🙂

  4. Sr. Kathleen, I offer you my heartfelt sympathy and prayerful support on the passing of your mother at age 92. What a life she must have had on this good earth, but oh what a life she has now and forever!

    Thank you also for the beautiful reflection. As my family approaches the 10th anniversary of our mom’s entrance to eternal life in early 2014, I will share it with them, especially my younger sister who was so very close to our mom.

    May our good and provident God grant eternal rest to your mother and comfort and consolation to you and all your family.

    Peace,

    Carole Iseli
    SND Associate

  5. Dear Sister Kathleen,

    My sincerest sympathy on the death of your mother. What a beautiful poem you shared. I especially like the idea that while she is disappearing from your sight she comes to another shore where she is welcomed. May this thought continue to give you God’s love and peace.
    Sister Kathleen

  6. Dear Sister,
    My deepest sympathy on the loss of your mother. I am a NDA graduate (77). A dear friend has started her journey home after a long, wonderful life. Edna is 97 and a mother of 10 children. While visiting Edna today at Holly Hill Sean Quinn visited and prayed with us in the same comforting way she did when my beloved grandmother was going home. Today was extra special when Sean shared your beautiful reflection. Thank you for this gift of peace. God Bless You.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest posts

Awarded Top 100 Catholic Blog

Meet Sr. Kathleen

Jesus depends on us to spread the Good News of God’s love, offering the world hope and joy. Mary Kathleen, a Sister of Notre Dame from Chardon, Ohio, responds through writing, speaking, giving retreats, and teaching. Her motto, adopted from Eddie Doherty’s gravesite, is “All my words for the Word.”

About Catholic Faith Corner

A warm welcome to Catholic Faith Corner! May my reflections help you know and live the Catholic faith, inspire you, and touch your heart. I hope you subscribe here and occasionally comment on my posts.

Subscribe to Blog

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Loading

A Child’s Book
of Psalms

Here is a simple version of verses from favorite psalms, followed by a one-line prayer. Colored photos enhance the 24-page booklet.

Featured Book

Totally Catholic! A Catechism for Kids and Their Parents and Teachers

This award-winning book is being used in classrooms and by RCIA groups.

Visit My Book Store

Sister Kathleen has more than ninety books published and has worked on six textbook series. Several of her books have garnered awards from the Catholic Press Association and Multimedia International. You can buy from Amazon, but purchasing books directly from her earns more for her community.