Daily Meditation for November 2, 2023

All of us have felt the loss, expected or unexpected, of family and friends. Death has taken them from us and we mourn their departure. Often, only faith can lift the sadness we feel, and it is this faith which sustains us in our hope and trust of eternal life. The 17th-century English poet, John Donne, wrote a famous poem, “Death, be not proud.” A man of deep faith, Donne affirmed that we can triumph over death. In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells his listeners that the Father has given Him the power to raise up His followers to eternal life and that He will not reject any who come to Him. Jesus who died for us was also raised, and He has promised to raise up those who believe in Him. Death does not have the final word. As followers of Jesus, we truly believe.

By Carol Berg, OSB