Song Reflection: Dancing with the Angels

As for Today, it is going to be a short one. I think the song is one that does not need a verbose reflection. I chose this song because, today we remember dearly all those that we have lost, but our remembrance is full with hope and faith that they are up in heaven smiling down on us. So without further ado, and in conjuction with the commemoration of All Souls' Day, I present to you an amazing song by Monk and Neagle, Dancing with the Angels.

There is so much that I don't understand/
But I know/You're dancing with the angels/

Hit the jump for the reflection


Memories surround me
But sadness has found me
I'd do anything for more time
Never before has someone meant more
And I can't get you out of my mind
There is so much that I don't understand
But I know

Chorus:
You're dancing with the angels
Walking in new life
You're dancing with the angels
Heaven fills your eyes
Now that you're dancing with the angels

You had love for your family
Love for all people
Love for the Father, and Son
Your heart will be heard
In your unspoken words
Through generations to come
There is so much that I don't understand
But I know

Chorus

Bridge:
We're only here for such a short time
So I'm gonna stand up
Shout out
And sing Hallelujah
One day I'll see you again

---

As said previously, I'm going to try and keep this reflection a short one.

Losing a loved one is a very trying time - mentally, physically, and spiritually. For those who have lost someone important to us, phrases like "there is so much I don't understand" or "I'd do anything for more time" take over our mind and heart. We feel lost. We feel confused. Maybe, we blame ourselves... or even God.

In the past few years, I have lost a few friends. I know that one of my first responses to their deaths was this automatic flashback of the memories we shared together. Almost immediately following that was this calculation of their life's worth. I would try and argue with God: say WHY?! They had this and this... they still needed to do this. What did they do wrong? Weren't they good enough? Why cant I have one more day? We still need her! I still need her!

Oh, ye of little of faith.

For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor present things, nor future things, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38-39

That brings me to the second point.

As Paul's letter to the Church of Corinth proudly challenges, Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? Although we are Easter People, how often do we forget it. Yea, you want to know a secret? Christ won!

Now I am not saying we shouldn't mourn. We should. But it must be a hopeful mourning, with vigilant prayer. Why? Because Christ won, and if we are true believers, we must have faith that if we live our lives in His light, we will be reunited with those we love. And probably more importantly reUnited with the one who loves us Most, Jesus The Christ.

And in hope for this reunion we must pray for all the souls in purgatory.

Death is never easy... neither is life.

but as the song says
We're only here for such a short time/
So I'm gonna stand up/Shout out/And sing Hallelujah
One day I'll see you again...


For all of our loved ones we have lost:

Merciful Father,
hear our prayer and console us.
As we renew our faith in Your Son,
whom You raised from the dead,
strengthen our hope that all our departed brothers and sisters
will share in His resurrection,
who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen

Eternal Rest
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon them.
May they rest in peace. Amen.

Requiem Æternam
Réquiem ætérnam dona eis, Dómine,
et lux perpétua lúceat eis.
Requiéscant in pace. Amen.

APOLOGETICS: Defending Prayer to the Saints



I meant to post this yesterday, since it was All Saints Day, but I didn't have time

But eh, better late than never. besides... it's still All Saints Day in Samoa... Barely.


So yea. PhatMass has a really sound and informative article on how to answer people that ask you "OMG, Why Do You Pray to The Saints?!"

Apologize People!



PHATMASS: Defending Prayers to the Saints: In 4 Easy Steps

Hit the Jump for More Info


So PhatMass Breaks it down way better than this, and I really hope you take the time to read their article, but briefly, here's the defense:

1. Members of the Body ask each other for prayers (We ask our family, friends... the Apostles asked one another.)
2. Members of the Body pray to God for each other (We pray for our family, friends... the Apostles prayed for one another.)
3. The Saints in Heaven are BOTH a) Alive and b) Members of the Body of Christ
4. Then, we can ask the Saints for prayers AND they can pray for us.

Check out their article - they have the biblical support, as well as answers to follow-up issues and concerns.

Go forth and live up to your Confirmation, brothers and sisters. Take up your shield and defend the Faith as a soldier of Christ!