Writing a reflection on All Souls’ Day this year is particularly difficult for me since my younger brother, Lewis, passed away on September 28. He was just 45 years old and leaves behind a wife and a two-year-old son. Lewis loved his wife and doted on his little son. He was also at the peak of his professional career doing very well in the company that he worked at. So, his sudden and unexpected passing away was shocking and challenging to comprehend. But Lewis had a deep faith and trust in God. He met his wife through his involvement with the young adult retreat ministry in the San Jose diocese. His pleasant and cheerful personality and his wanting to always help others makes us miss his physical presence ever so much. At the same time, we are reminded of our belief as Christians of the promise of eternal life and are invited into the mystery of life that the Lord invites us to.

Today on this day as we commemorate all the faithful departed, Lewis will have a special place in my heart as I give thanks for his life and for the many ways he touched mine. I know that each one of you reading this reflection will be remembering loved ones who touched your lives.

I would like to share with you a beautiful note that I received from Joe Terrian, a former colleague at the business school at Marquette University in Milwaukee:

The ones we love
Shine for us -
In the stars,
In the glow of the moon,
In the sun each time it rises.

The ones we love
shine in us too.
In the good things we do
For the world and each other.
In memories,
Which are never lost,
In our hearts, forever.