While a lot of people have already pulled out their Christmas decorations and turned on their Christmas playlist, the Church is focused on preparing for the end. November marks the last month of the liturgical year and this is not a month we should rush through. While it’s easy to get caught up in all the holiday hustle and bustle, the tension between the culture and the Church should be embraced. December, specifically Advent, is a time of preparation, but have you ever thought about November as a pre-preparation? Let me explain. November is a month dedicated to praying for the holy souls in purgatory. The month is kicked off with a three day celebration called Hallowtide: Halloween (All Hallow’s Eve) marking the Church militant, All Saints Day marking the Church triumphant, and All Souls Day marking the Church Suffering. A pleneary indulgence is offered throughout the month (more can be found here) so the Church is clearly showing us that there is more that needs to be done this month before we enter into the anticipation of Advent and joy of Christmas.
A longstanding practice that is mostly discussed and seen during Hallowtide, but can and should be incorporated into everyday life, is Memento Mori. This Latin phrase for “remember your death” or “remember you must die” might seem like a line out of a horror flick, but the reality is that we all will die.
This practice is not meant to be morbid or have us live in fear of our death. It is meant to motivate us to live each moment for God, actively discerning what we are called to do. This active participation in prayer is where saints are made. It calls each of us beyond ourselves, to look out in front of us, and see where, or whom, we are called to serve in that moment.. Aside from the typical setting a skull out on your desk as a reminder, here are some practical ways to incorporate memento mori into everyday life.
- No pain, no gain
If you stub your toe, pray for the souls in purgatory. Let’s be real, there is absolutely nothing worse than randomly stubbing your toe on a piece of furniture or stepping on a Lego. Whenever we encounter a pain inducing situation, albeit temporary, we could offer up that pain for the Holy Souls in purgatory who are burning with refinement.
- Feed the hungry, give water to the thirsty
Passing out water or packaged snacks to the needy. This might not seem to be connected, but as I mentioned earlier, the premise of memento mori is not just to remember your death, but to look beyond oneself to see who needs to be served. In that regard, having a box filled with water and snacks in your car to pass out to those you may encounter while you’re driving is mindfulness at its finest. This may be easier for some; for me, this is challenging in my current life state with children as I can barely get the kids and diaper bag in the car, but it’s an area of growth nonetheless.
- Embrace those you love
Seriously, hug those you love. This might sound silly, but if each of us truly embraced memento mori, then we would live each moment as if it were our last. Therefore, this could be the last hug you give to your spouse, child, parent or friend. I’m guilty of getting caught up in what I am doing or where I am going but does skipping a hug really help me be more productive? In fact, hugging could improve overall life outcomes, as studies have shown that frequent hugs lower blood pressure and heart rate, improve immune function, and reduce pain and inflammation.
- Pray while cleaning
While washing the dishes, pray for those in purgatory who are being cleansed of their sins and imperfections. This could also apply to the times where you are washing your hands, washing kids in the bath, doing the laundry. There are moments throughout our day where we are cleaning and if we offer these small moments up for those Holy Souls, then over the course of a day they will add up.
- Welcome the interruptions or inconveniences
Here’s the deal: inconveniences pop up whether you are in the corporate world, work remote or are a stay at home parent. Meetings pop up, clients need yet another phone call, children forget their lunch, friends may need a helping hand at what feels like the worst time. Each of us has this happen daily. Our plans must get set aside to address the more pressing issue that has arisen. It’s frustrating to say the least and can easily throw off the rest of the day. If we change our mindset into one of appreciation that this minor detour may be the most suffering, God willing, that we will encounter today then it becomes easier to offer it up for those who are suffering, specifically for the Souls in purgatory or for those around the world whose detour has taken them further than they imagined.
There’s many more ways to incorporate praying for the Souls in purgatory and reminding oneself of the inevitable death that will be faced. My hope is that each of us could include these minor habits or calls to prayer into our life in our own preparation for death, while also remembering those who have gone before us and are in the last leg of the race, waiting in hope for their Heavenly rewards.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen. May their souls, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
