Today marks the one year anniversary of my Dad’s passing. I cannot think of a better way to remember him than to recall his love for family and the outdoors, in pictures.
Below the slideshow, is the reflection I gave last year for the Rosary we prayed for the repose of his soul.
First Mystery: The Annunciation (Luke 1:28-35)
As we meditate on Mary’s reception of the Angel’s word, we are reminded too, of Dad’s willingness to welcome strangers. It was often said, he treated strangers as friends. It was his own way of welcoming Christ.
Our Father, 10 Hail Marys, Glory Be…
Second Mystery: Jesus is Baptized in the Jordan (Matthew 3:13-17)
The Sacred Scriptures tell us He was like us in all things but sin. Yet he let himself be baptized, to share in our humanity, our need for external signs of God’s grace. dad shared in the baptism of Christ; in his humanity and in his weaknesses, he did the best he could. He knew the grace of being forgiven, and by not holding a grudge he shared the grace as he forgave others.
Our Father, 10 Hail Marys, Glory Be…
Third Mystery: Mary Visits her Cousin Elizabeth (Luke 2:39-45)
What a blessed visit between Mary and her older cousin Elizabeth! This mystery reminds us too of how Dad enjoyed meeting other people, most of the time with a smile. That even when he wasn’t feeling well, he still greeted others with enthusiasm and usual cheerfulness.
Our Father, 10 Hail Marys, Glory Be…
Fourth Mystery: Jesus Rose from the Dead (John 16:20-23)
Jesus tried to prepare his disciples for his death. He did not deny their need to grieve. BUT, he pointed beyond this death to his resurrection. Dad too was a firm believer in the resurrection. He knew his life didn’t end here. And, with Jesus, he reminds us, “… your grief will turn to joy…I will see you again.”
Our Father, 10 Hail Marys, Glory Be…
Fifth Mystery: Jesus Institutes the Holy Eucharist (1 Corinthians 11:23-26)
In the Institution of the Holy Eucharist, Jesus gave himself to us as a lasting memorial of His passion and death. Dad, before he became ill, daily nourished his soul at the table of the Word of God and the Eucharist. I remember coming with him to Mass and, I noticed he prayed as he approached Jesus at communion time, he would simply say, “Jesus, have mercy on me.”
He had come to believe in God’s mercy, and sought it out often in his earthly life.
Our Father, 10 Hail Marys, Glory Be…
Dad, I love you. I miss you. And I look forward to the day when we will embrace again.
nunspeak 
Dear Sister Lisa
I know how you feel very much, my dad is no longer with me and is very much miss he has been gone 12yrs and like yourself I pray for his soul….Sr. Lisa you know that the day will come when we as a family of God will be with each other again there will be no more sorrow pain loneliness only Joy, joy in the soul with a living heart…Yes you will see your father and all who you loved…Heaven sister as you know is our true home and your dear father did just that… Gods peace to you Sr. Lisa and his love too!
PS… Sister Lisa you have a lovely family and you were and are blessedest! God rest your father soul…You did him honer with the pictures here….
Dear Sr. Lisa,
Beautiful pictures.. thank you for sharing this. I am in solidarity with you today in prayer. This post reminds me of St. Augustine’s reflections about his mother and Christian death in Chapter 11 of the Confessions.
In Christ,
Anthony
Anthony, thank you for your kind and consoling words. I think I’ll re-read chapter 11 :)
God bless,
Sr Lisa Marie
Thank you Sister. God Bless you.