Today as I continued to listen to the podcast about the O Antiphons based on the hymn “O come O come Emmanuel” I payed attention to the lyrics of the fourth verse:

O come, O Branch of Jesse’s stem,
unto your own and rescue them!
From depths of hell your people save,
and give them victory o’er the grave.

This verse gave me a sense of hope in a couple of different ways. First was the hope for Heaven for my parents and those who have died. Jesus’ mission was to give life where there appears to be none. For those who have died, and for those of us still on this earth who get ourselves into a bad situation. Sometimes it seems as though there is no way out. In my own life, I have made decisions that I felt were irreversible. And while it is true that the decision itself cannot be undone, the pain doesn’t have to linger for myself or for others who were hurt. When I turn to God, go to Confession, and spend more time in prayer, He has healed difficulties and even led me to a better place despite seemingly terrible circumstances. The peace He offers is very welcomed.

I Found God in His promise of life beyond death.

Here are the Confessionals in the Basilica of St. Francis Xavier. Even they are ornate.