Remember Me at the Altar

Today, I offered the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass for the eternal rest and memory of Loretta Gatto, my best friend Keith's mother. Thursday was her fifth anniversary of birth to life eternal. Our Holy Mother, St. Monica upon her own impending death after her and Augustine shared their mystical vision at Ostia, said "care not where you rest this body, just remember me at the altar of God."

I always remember that when I have the sacred opportunity and obligation to offer Mass for the dead. There is perhaps nothing greater that we can do but to gather at the altar, the eternal banquet of love, and celebrate the life of our loved ones and unite that celebration and life with the eternal memory of the love and life of Christ.

Augustine also taught, though, a sobering fact that our remembering of the dead and all our prayerful good wishes are more meant for us who are left behind than those who have gone before. We need to care and watch for each other here who are left behind to make the reality of the love of the altar real and meaningful NOW for each other gathered and also those who are still scattered.

Loretta, remember us as you journey beyond with Christ in the love of the Trinity. May we left behind who remember you remember each other still here with loving kindness while we have the time!