The Corporal Work of Mercy "to bury the dead" has its origins in the Jewish mitzvah of burial, and specifically in the Old Testament Book of Tobit (Tob 1:16-18). Tobit risked his life to bury Israelites who died and also those who were killed by their enemies.
Of course, we are not asked to literally bury the dead like Tobit did. We are, however, called to grieve, show support, and comfort others during difficult times. Through our prayers and actions, we show our respect for life, which is always a gift from God.
Consider these to ways to "bury the dead" in society today:
- Send a card to someone who has recently lost a loved one. Make your own card and use some of these prayers.
- Go to the wake or funeral if possible – even if we are tempted to skip it. We may not be able to talk that day to the grieving person, but our presence can be a great comfort.
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Have a Mass said for someone who has passed.
- A note of condolence including memories of the person who passed can touch the heart in the days and weeks after a death, and much later, it can be re-read and offer comfort again.
- Visit the cemetery and pray for those you have lost.
- Being present to someone grieving can mean the world to them. Here are some resources.
- Spend time planning your own funeral Mass, read through the Order of Christian Funerals and find our hope in the Resurrection.
- Call (or even text) a relative or friend who has lost someone on the anniversary of death or other special date, to let them know you are thinking of them.
Please pray for longtime parishioner Stephen Oleszczuk who passed away this week.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
