Today the church had a Mass and luncheon especially for those who are grieving. My friend whose husband died a few months ago and I went together. At Mass, the responsorial was Deuteronomy 32:39, “It is I who bring both death and life.” I often think about the end of both my dad’s and my mom’s lives with sadness and guilt, wondering what else I could have or should have done. This scripture was a needed reminder to me that I am but a weak human being and that of course God has been and is still in charge. At the luncheon, I met a fascinating, talkative 94 year old gentleman. I learned all about his life, his wife, his dental practices, and his family. His wife was going to be a nun, but she married him instead. He talked about his family of 6 children, 12 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchild with pride as they were all faithful. He attributed that to his wife. They were married for 65 years until she died just over 4 years ago. He said he missed her tremendously and that he asked God that He should take him too. One night, the man said he heard God loud and clear say, “You’re not ready.” I thought again about the responsorial – God is indeed the One who brings life and death.

I Found God today reminded that He is the author of life and death.