Once there was a chronic gambler who said: “I would do anything, even the devil’s work, to see the lotto winning numbers ahead of the draw. I would become the richest man in the world.”

Well, he got his wish. A messenger came to his door and handed him a newspaper dated one week ahead. Excited, the man turned to the page where the winning numbers were listed. There before his eyes were all the numbers that would entitle him to win millions of pesos.
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He was beside himself imagining what he would do with all the huge amount. But as he turned the pages, his heart skipped a beat. For there he saw his name printed in big, bold print – in the obituary! On the day he wins, he will also die.
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The story teaches that in spite of all the joys, pleasures, and yes, millions we may acquire – legally or otherwise – death hangs over our head like the proverbial sword of Damocles. The paramount questions are: Are you prepared for that inevitable end? Are you living at peace with God and your fellowmen?
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As we remember our departed loved ones, let’s ask ourselves, “What will happen to me when I die? What’s it like on the other side?”
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Dr. Elizabeth Kubler Ross, a psychiatrist and author of “On Death and Dying,” and Dr. Raymund A. Moody Jr., who published Life After Life, confirm a “core experience” of patients who were close to death or clinically dead.

They recount how they were outside of, or separated from, their bodies, of communicating with deceased loved ones, of gliding down a dark tunnel toward a lustrous light.
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One thing they all agreed on was that they did not want to come back to life – not because they had enemies or debts back home! – but they preferred the peace and bliss they experienced in the next life. Although there are variations in the accounts, the responses are always similar.
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The intense scientific investigations of these physicians gained them international renown for their unusual findings. For the church they are most welcome since science confirms, not replaces, a religious conviction.

For us Christians, scientific proof is not really necessary if we believe in the teachings of Christ and His Church.
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Life after death and immortality are bedrock of Christian faith.

In the conversation between Jesus and Martha on the death of her brother Lazarus, Jesus declares: “Your brother will rise to life.” (John 11:23). Martha replies: “I know he will rise on the last day.”
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At the Last Supper, Jesus said: “In My Father’s house there are many dwelling places... I am going to prepare a place for you” (Jn 14:2).

We would do well to ponder on these ultimate realities not just on All Souls’ Day but in the day-to-day “rat race” and amidst our many worldly concerns.
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The lighter side. Two men walking home from a party decide to take a shortcut through a cemetery.

Halfway through, they are startled to hear a tap-tapping noise coming from the misty shadows. Shaking with fear, they are relieved to discover an old man with a chisel, chipping at one of the headstones.
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“You scared us half to death,” said one of the men. “We thought you were a ghost. What are you doing working here so late at night?”

“Those fools!” the old man grumbled. “They spelled my name wrong.”
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Pre-advent recollection. The CFM Solo Parents invite the public to a Pre-Advent Recollection on Nov. 14, 2009 (Saturday), 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Venue: CFM Nazareth Home, Big Horseshoe Drive corner N. Domingo, QC.
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Topic: “Season of Joy and Peace Welcome Him.” Facilitator: Fr. Freddie Sabado, SVD.

For further inquiries, e-mail: sony@mozcom.com or call CFM Nazareth Home (cf. tel. directory).
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Appeal. How about celebrating a meaningful Halloween by reaching out to our poor, deserving seminarians? Chip in an amount or sponsor a seminarian’s schooling.
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Send donation payable to “Adopt a Seminarian” c/o Fr. Bel San Luis, SVD, Christ the King Seminary, 1101 E. Rodriguez Blvd., 1099 Quezon City.

For further inquiries, Christ the King Seminary (cf. tel. directory) or e-mail: belsvd@yahoo.com.