Recently I had an interesting experience at prayer. I was thinking about the belief that all of us are part of the “Communion of Saints” and that at mass the saints and angels are with us, though we cannot see them. We believe that our deceased loved ones are present as we gather to listen to the scriptures, participate in Holy Communion, and worship God. The angels and saints are with us as we sing “Holy, holy, holy…” We ought not think that our church is empty. All of the saints and angels are with us in praising and worshiping God, our Creator.
Then I thought of the children who died at birth, or did not make it to birth, for whatever reason, and what they would say to us, if we listen to them. I believe that there is no one more innocent than a child who died just after birth, or who never got that far. I think they too are part of the Communion of Saints, praying and worshiping with us, praying for us. As Christians we believe that at conception, God creates a new soul that lives for eternity. Babies are living in the presence of their creator, are at peace, and enjoying the eternal happiness of being with Jesus. “Let the little children come to me.”
What do they say to us? “Dear Mom and Dad, I love you and thankyou for giving me life, however short it was. I wish I could tell you how wonderful it is to live with Jesus in pure bliss and happiness. While I did not get to live to maturity as a human on earth, I live in heaven. I wonder about you and I miss you. I know that giving me up was not an easy decision for you to make. I know that you think of me often and are sad when you do. Here is what I know. When we meet in heaven, you will completely forget all the trauma, hurt, guilt, and sadness you feel. When you enter into the presence of God and his immense, overwhelming love for you, nothing else will matter. In heaven all sin is forgiven and forgotten. Why wait to be forgiven? Please give your self to God. Ask his forgiveness and begin enjoying his love. He has the power to heal you and accomplish his will on earth. I can wait, because I know that eventually we will be together, face to face, in the presence of Jesus. Please, prepare yourself for that meeting, by giving yourself to God and living a holy life. Heaven won’t be heaven without you. In the meantime, how about coming to mass and praising and worshiping God with me? I love you, Your baby, ______.”
“May the Lord bless and keep you. May he let his face shine upon you, be gracious to you and give you his peace.”
