14 November 2023

But the souls of the righteous are in the hand of God,
and no torment will ever touch them.
In the eyes of the foolish they seemed to have died,
and their departure was thought to be a disaster,
and their going from us to be their destruction;
but they are at peace.

From Wisdom 2:23-3:9, NRSV

These words from today’s first reading are often heard at funerals as they offer such a strong message of consolation. It is worth remembering that they were written long before any teaching about the Resurrection, and yet the writer gives a clear message that God’s mercy awaits his faithful ones. No longer are God’s people to fear banishment to Sheol – a dark and miserable state of existence without the possibility of being with God. Now they can look forward to being at peace in “the hand of God”.

• What impact do you think these words would have had to those who first heard them?
• What hope do these words offer you?

Pray for all whose earthly lives are nearing an end and for those accompanying them on this journey.