August 9, Monday Weekday

Heaven and earth are filled with your glory. — Psalm 148 

Mass Readings: Ezekiel 1:2-5,24-28 / Matthew 17:22-27 

The Whole Story 

When Jesus told His disciples, “The Son of Man is to be handed over to men, and they will kill him,” His followers “were overwhelmed with grief.” Just the thought of it was so terrible! The thought of our own loved one dying — whether that person is near death now or is facing a life-threatening situation — can have the same effect on us. And rightly so. 

But that’s not all that Jesus said. That’s not the whole story. The whole truth. Jesus assures His followers He “will be raised on the third day.” Because of Christ, because of what He did and what He does, death doesn’t win. That victory doesn’t eliminate grief but, through faith, offers the assurance that, like Christ, our loved ones will one day rise and will live forever. 

Prayer: Dear Lord, be with those who are near death today and with those who care for them.