November is a month of endings…the last of the leaves fall from the trees, we remember those whom we have said goodbye to as they leave this earthly life…our readings at Mass speak of the end times. And yet each of these endings speaks too of a new beginning – we know that the leaves will come again…spring will come and the buds will appear to bring new life to our world. For those to whom we have said goodbye – we know for them life has changed not ended, they are with the Lord, awaiting the day of resurrection. And as our liturgical year comes to a close we will turn to the season of Advent as we wait with joyful hope for the coming of the Saviour at Christmas.
Not every ending is so dramatic – each day brings sunset as we move to the night and sleep until the new day dawns filled with new beginnings and new possibilities. Every day we experience small endings, each day we say farewell to someone, we leave behind a task, we enjoy a feast, celebrate an occasion, engage in a conversation – none of these will be repeated in the same way, each has impacted on our lives in way that will not occur again.
In the words of Brendan Kennelly in his poem The Essential –
Though we live in a world that dreams of ending
that always seems about to give in
something that will not acknowledge conclusion
insists that we forever begin.
Karen OSU