Reflection 9 - In Silence We Remember

It is a beautiful Sunday morning in the month of October or as we say in Irish - Deireadh Fomhar ( the end of Autumn). I am driving through the village of Dromkeen in County Limerick at 9am observing my speed and as I drive gently along notice the extension to the cemetery in the village. As I come close to the entrance gate I see a man with his black coat leaning over his black bicycle with a blue plastic bag filled with whatever on the rear. He reflects our Irish heritage and as like as not on his way to the next Mass. He is silent; he is present and indeed his countenance reflects serenity and peace; his focus is those who lie there before him in their graves. He is present to the moment; to his God; to himself and above all he is present to those whom he remembers.. So he prays; he remembers those who have gone before us; those whom he knew and I am sure those who loved him and whom he loved and continues to love in the vacuum of physical absence yet who are present in heart and mind with a beauty that reflects the eternal; the beyond.

Deireadh Fomhar (October) reminds us that November is approaching a month in which we of the Catholic tradition remember our loved ones; we pray for them and indeed with them as they continue their journey to the place of everlasting light and peace.

The man leaning on his bicycle was serene and reflected serenity totally oblivious that I was driving by in the car. His presence; his togetherness reflect for me something of the words of Ghandi

‘Happiness is when what we think; what we say and what we do are in harmony’

The gentleman was truly present; what he said came from the depths the silent yet pervading all powerful word or his inner prayer or reflection. His very presence was the gift of his doing. May the inner connections of our lives reflect for us an ease in and with those who are dying; in the presence of those who are dead and in being present to the souls of those who have gone before us.

Domine Dona eis Lux Aeterna – O Lord Grant them Eternal Light.

Written by Frank DOWNES OP (Autumn 2011)

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