Beautiful Angel

She was like a beautiful angel deep in sleep.  A week earlier, Jillian Rose was full of life, bursting with hope. On Easter Sunday, the two year old died suddenly due to complications as a result of pneumonia.  On April 2, 2013, we gathered in one of the chapels of Morrison Funeral, Henderson to say mass for the repose of her innocent soul, to pray for her grieving family.

“Why did she die so young?” the priest said he was asked the question, and admitted he did not have the answer.  For it is difficult to fathom God’s plan for each one of us, including that of the innocent.  It was prophesied that the innocents would die in the aftermath of the birth of Jesus as the prophet Jeremiah had written, “A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be comforted, because they are no more." (Matt. 2:18, ESV)

Even if God will answer us, we may not understand. Jesus Christ asked the Father about his impending death. “Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”” (Matt. 26:39)

God’s will for the innocent, for the holy and for those who keep His commands was shown through the love for His Son who was raised from the dead and ascended to His Kingdom. For Christ said "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." (Matt. 5:4) Comforted are we of the Truth that the innocent, the holy, the believers who die will be in the eternal company of God; of the Truth that we who are living know that God keeps His promise of salvation.

In our grief, God will come. All we need to do is call on Him, to pray to Him:   "Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens; and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (Matt 11:28-30)