Happy Reunions

Sometimes, it’s said that “deaths come in threes.”  The question has even been raised around here: “Who’s next?” after two deaths of acquaintances during a short time.
 
The past few weeks, though, for us here, have brought duo deaths, not of acquaintances, but of close friends.
 
Two and a half weeks ago (though it feels, to me, like years), Sister Rebecca died.  Our community here at St. Anne’s is still deeply grieving this.  Yesterday morning, we heard that Fr. Ed Sherman, who left us for St. Gerard’s last spring, had also died.  He too has been such a part of our lives for many years. 
 
As I reflect upon this, my thoughts return to a topic which has been on my mind more of late, that of heaven.  I hope Father Ed had a peaceful death, and that he’s now catching up with his brother, Fr. Bill (who died last May) and with Sr. Rebecca, who we hope is now a recent addition to the celestial welcoming committee.  I can just imagine the happy reunions. 
 
Besides catching up and singing songs of praise, there is one thing I hope our departed loved ones don’t neglect.  That is praying for the rest of us, who they’ve left behind, but who are still united with them, especially in the Eucharist.  We could really use their help – that’s for sure! 
 
There’s a little prayer I like to use sometimes, especially when thinking about such things: “All you holy angels and saints, please pray for us.”