The day of the dead

[Leonardo Von]

The day of the dead.

Many people celebrate “the day of the dead” because they believe that, in this day, their dear relatives that passed away come back from the death to come by them. But the Holy Scripture go against this:

•    “As the cloud falls and vanishes away, so he who goes down to the grave shall come up no more. *He shall return no more to his house*, nor shall his place know him any more.” (Job 7.9,10).

•    “For there is hope of a tree, if it is cut down, that it will sprout again, and its tender branch will not cease. Though its root becomes old in the earth, and its stump dies in the dust, yet at the scent of water it will bud and bring forth branches like a plant. But man dies and is cut off; and man expires, and where is he? As the waters fail from the sea, and a river falls away and dries up, so man lies down and does not rise. Till the heavens are no more, *they shall not awake, nor be awakened out of their sleep*.” (Job 14.7-12).

Pursuant to the Holy Scripture, the dead don’t know anything:

•    “For will You do wonders to the dead? Shall the dead rise and praise You? Selah.” (Psalms 88.10).

•    “For the living know that they shall die; but the dead do not know anything, nor do they have any more a reward; for their memory is forgotten.” (Ecclesiastes 9.5).

The dead don’t have conscience about anything that happens in this world. On the other hand, around us there are many people that need us. Instead of losting time ruing the dead, let’s get ahead in walking in novelty of life (Romans 6.7). One of the finalities of the death is to show us that we can’t hang on to anyone (except Jesus Christ). We can’t get after anyone in order to do of them the object of our joy.

Jesus found the Church in order to let on His manifold grace (1Peter 4.10) and wisdom (Ephesians 3.10). Our expression of love shouldn’t be selfish and mean, but unstinting and opened to everyone that Jesus bring to us (Revelation 3.20). As said Paul: 

•    “O Corinthians, our mouth is opened to you, our heart has been enlarged. You are not restrained in us, but *you are restrained in your own affections*. But for the same reward, (I speak as to children), you also *be enlarged*.” (2Cor 6.11-13).

So, have a marvelous day in Christ Jesus and enlarge your heart without fear to welcome with love those who Jesus bring to you. Let the goodness and mercy of Jesus that follow you (Psalms 23.6) flow unrestrictedly from you. Certainly this will keep your heart pure:

•    “And He said, That which comes out of the man is what defiles the man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: all these evil things pass out from inside and defile the man.” (Mark 7.21-23)  -  *So, may go out of us only what is acceptable to the eyes of Jesus*.

•    “But *if we walk in the light*, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the *blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.*” (1John 1.7).