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I’m sitting in the Hokitika presbytery to write tonight. I’m here to celebrate Masses in the parish over the weekend.
As I drove across Arthurs Pass this afternoon I was remembering fondly and with gratitude the seven years when for me this was the road to home, three years in Greymouth and four years in Ngahere (Grey Valley).
Every turn in the road, every up and down, many stopping points and rest areas on the journey brings back memories: The clump of trees where teenager David was tragically killed, and just past Cass the slip where Betty’s car entered the Waimak taking her life. Then there’s the happy memories: the many people i have made the journey with and the spots where we stopped for coffee and a sandwich, or to dip our feet in the fresh water.
And I recall the many conversations on the road and before or later about the journey, the roadworks over the years, the pre-viaduct risks of the Pass climb and how long the journey took.
I am remembering all these wonderful people as I celebrate All Saints.
On this All Saints day in the year 1541, Michaelangelo‘s Last Judgement was unveiled on the rear wall of the Sistine Chapel.
There was no coincidence in the date: the feast of All Saints was a most appropriate day to dedicate this masterpiece of world art – Michaelangelo’s ceiling tells the story of our salvation history: the encounter of the ultimate plan of God, and human history.
The rear wall looks forward to the future eternal reality, to those souls who have embraced eternal life and love with God, and those who have rejected the eternal fulness of life.
I have no doubt that my State Highway 73 friends who have died are now eternally in God’s kind keeping, but just in case they are not yet giving a whole-hearted “yes” to God I keep them in prayer, especially today and tomorrow (All Souls)
In these earthly years we experience joy, hope, grief and anxiety. In every moment we are offered saving intimacy with God. The deepest desire of the human person is not to be free of grief and anxiety. Instead our deepest longing is ‘to know, love and to serve God, and to be happy with him forever.’
And death is the moment of transition from this earthly road, into the eternal realm.
Our human purpose is found when we know our desire for God above all else. When we rest with this desire, especially in the midst of struggle and suffering, we experience God’s presence and peace.
This life is the life of the saint.
Thank you for your reflections. l always enjoy them.
Nga Mihi Nui
I like the paragraph Our human purpose….. it sums up what my life should really be all about. Enjoy your stay in Hokitika.
I very much enjoy your reflection they help me through the day.
You’re on fire today, John. One of your best. Thank you! Have a great weekend.