Precious in God’s Eyes

I don't usually re-post posts on my personal blog but this was too beautiful and I wanted my friends who are not on Facebook and Twitter but do follow this blog, to read this. It was written by Kimberly Baker who works in the Pro-Life Secretariat of the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops.     
                  
" Every year on November 2, the Church observes the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls’ Day). This is a time when we remember all who have died and commend their souls to God. It also reminds us that we all will face death someday, yet hope that by God’s grace, we will be welcomed before the face of the Lord. This can be a motivation to reflect on the present direction of our lives and how we are using our time in this world. It heightens awareness of the preciousness of our lives.

Every soul is precious to God, who creates each person to share in his love and goodness. The psalmist profoundly captures the beauty and mystery of each person’s origins under God’s watchful care: “You formed my inmost being; you knit me in my mother’s womb. I praise you, because I am wonderfully made; wonderful are your works! My very self you know…. Your eyes saw me unformed; in your book all are written down; my days were shaped, before one came to be” (Psalm 139: 13-14,16).

When we reflect, for even just a moment, how precious we are to God, it changes our perspective on how we live out each day and use our time. What a beautiful and comforting thought to know that from all eternity, God was already thinking of us, that he knew our names, that he knew everything about our lives already. Each one of us was created because of God’s love, and he has a special plan for each of us to know, love, and serve him in our own unique ways. The more we discover that plan and follow it, the happier we will be, the more we become our true self, the person each of us was meant to be.

When we remember those who have died, especially loved ones and others we personally have known, we are reminded how valuable each life was in our own experience. Imagine how much more so in God’s eyes. With the heightened awareness of the gift of time we have in this world, we can also be mindful of those who are near death, such as the terminally ill and the elderly. We can be the face of God’s love to others by caring for their needs, assuring them of the healing and comfort of God’s mercy, and witnessing to the sacredness of their lives.

As we begin the month of November and observe All Souls’ Day, let us use this opportunity to remember those who have died and commend their souls to God. Let us reflect on the remaining time we have in our lives to focus on what truly matters - with our loved ones, those we know, and those we may encounter who are suffering, alone or broken in any way. Let us resolve to help everyone we meet, whether man, woman, or child, to understand how precious they are in God’s eyes.
“May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.”"