With Catholics, Christians, and people of good will world-wide, we join in offering prayers of gratitude for the life and witness of Pope Francis—icon of the compassion of God, defender of migrants and the poor, champion of ecological responsibility, reformer who sought to transform the Church into a “field hospital” at the service of the vulnerable at the peripheries, and friend of Christ who longed to “wake up the world” with hope and joy. In faith, we commend Pope Francis to God’s loving embrace. Through the power of the resurrection, may he now enjoy fullness of life with God in the communion of saints. Abide in life, good and faithful servant!
– Br. Lawrence J. Hayes, OFM, Provincial Minister for the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
As we mourn the passing Pope Francis, it may be helpful to remember that he’s reuniting with loved ones in place of eternal joy and rest. This reassurance is one of the spiritual gifts we receive on May 29, Ascension Day, when we celebrate Christ’s exaltation and ascension to the right hand of the Father. While on earth, he was a servant. Now in heaven, he is the ruler and Lord of all. By entering heaven as the representative of mankind, he completed the work of our salvation and guarantees the eventual glorification of all who love Him.
This excerpt from Luke 24:46-53 describes Jesus’ ascension and the interesting way in which his disciples reacted.
“Then he led them out as far as Bethany, raised his hands, and blessed them. As he blessed them he parted from them and was taken up to heaven. They did him homage and then returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and they were continually in the temple praising God.”
Did all the disciples return to Jerusalem with great joy? Were any of them overwhelmed with grief?
Last year on Franciscan TV’s Friar Time, Br. Richard McFeely and Fr. David Convertino discussed the unimaginable grief that comes with the death of a child. During the episode, they explored how Br. Richard and his family dealt with such a tragic loss.
“How we handled it was that we were all there together,” shared Br. Richard. “We all banded together… Not that you have the answers! You don’t have any answers. You know, I was there, I was supportive. I know from my experience of it, people just don’t know what to say. So, in some sense it’s better than not to say anything.”
“And I think for me it’s faith, too,” continued Br. Richard. “I believe they’re in a better place. I know that in the sense that they’re with the Lord and there for all eternity and happiness. I believe all that stuff and that helps you to know that in the future you’re going to see them again. I guess being from a very Catholic family, I think everybody has that sense that in the end we’re going to be together for the most part. I think everyone has to find something that kind of stabilizes them and helps them move on—not from the grief and not from the person but continue with their life.”
The story of Jesus’ ascension is useful to keep in mind when grieving the loss of Pope Francis, a family member, or a friend. It can offer comfort and hope, as it signifies His triumph over death and the promise of a future reunion with loved ones in a place of eternal joy and rest. What’s more, it signifies Jesus’ presence in a new, glorified form, and is followed by the promise of the Holy Spirit, who can offer comfort and guidance to those who are grieving.
“The grief is something that’s always there,” said Fr. David. “One writer said that when someone we love dies, there’s a little hole in our heart, and God doesn’t fill that hole because it’s the area that we remember this person. It’s the space in our heart that can never be filled by anyone else. And that it’s the memorial to that person that we’ve loved while they were with us.”
When thinking of our own ascensions to heaven and leaving memorials to our loved ones and those in need, it may be comforting to know that we can continue to make an impact in their lives. Planned Giving, or Legacy Giving, to the Franciscan friars allows you to make a charitable contribution as part of your overall financial and estate planning. You can do this in a variety of ways, including bequests, charitable trusts, life insurance policies and retirement accounts. To learn more about making a legacy gift, please contact Br. Paul O’Keeffe, OFM, via phone, 646-473-0265, ext. 303, or email, pokeeffe@friars.us
