Reflections on today's scripture - 11/3/2025

Scripture of the Day - 11/3/2025

Today's scripture highlights Jesus's compassion for a grieving widowed mother who has lost her son. He brings the son back to life and reunites him with his mother. Since this past weekend was All Souls' Day, we are reminded to remember those we have lost and to pray for their souls. Today, I did this for my father, grandparents, uncle, and many friends I've known over almost 60 years.

On December 10, 2002, my father passed away suddenly. I have vivid memories of the days leading up to his death. Living two states away in New Jersey, my mother and I spoke every day. On Thursday morning, December 5, my mom mentioned that my dad was experiencing shortness of breath and difficulty walking. He had returned from a trip to southern Ohio a few days earlier, and these symptoms started soon after. I was unusually worried, even though my dad thought he was just fighting a virus. I felt a sense of impending doom. Over the weekend, while shopping at Target with my husband, he pointed out a pair of boots he thought my father might like for Christmas. I agreed but couldn't bring myself to buy them, sensing he wouldn't need them. This overwhelming sorrow persisted, and on the morning of Monday, December 9, I awoke from a vivid nightmare where my father had died. In the dream, I saw him in our family home in Ohio, lifting his legs up and down before lying on the floor. My mom and sister Janae then came downstairs, and my sister lay beside him, hugging him. My mom was crying, and I knew he had died. Terrified, I checked my phone and saw many missed calls. I ran upstairs, screaming to my husband, "My dad is dead," through tears and fear. It was the most intense and prophetic dream I'd ever had. I couldn't go to work that day, calling in sick, as the sorrow made me ill. I told a friend from work about the dream, and she remembers it vividly. Despite trying to dismiss it as just a dream, deep down, I knew it would come true, and it did. On Tuesday morning, I saw the missed messages and ran upstairs, declaring my dad was dead without hearing any of them. My husband suggested he might be in the hospital, but I insisted he was gone. I asked him to call my mom, as I couldn't bear to hear her say it. Through tears, my mom confirmed, "Bob is gone." My husband, who loved my dad dearly, collapsed in our kitchen, and I had to help him up. Flights were already scheduled for us to return to Ohio, and we hurriedly prepared to fly home. It was surreal for such a vivid and terrifying dream to come true. I'll never forget that. After hearing today's reading and witnessing Jesus's compassion for the widow and her son, I realize the Holy Spirit prepared me for one of the worst days of my life. I lost my dad, yet I managed to lift my husband off the floor, pack our bags, and get us to the airport. Somehow, I found the strength to help my mom and siblings plan a funeral, see my dad in a coffin, touch his face one last time, and remain strong for my family. This strength isn't natural for me; it was only possible through the power and compassion of our merciful Lord. He prepared me with the dream and gave me the strength to endure my grief and support my family, especially my mom.

On this Monday after All Souls' Day, I remember my father, pray for his soul, and dream of the day I will be reunited with Jesus and him. I imagine holding his hand, along with many others I love, singing "Praise the Lord, oh my soul" by Elevation Music. I thank my Lord and Savior for preparing me to endure that grief. I still miss my father every day, and while it doesn't get easier, the grief becomes less difficult with faith.