Death seems like such a fearsome thing to many people. We don't even like to think or talk about it, but in the end, it comes to all of us, whether rich or poor, powerful or lowly.

The Mass readings reassure us today: there is nothing to fear about death. In this life we are tested and prepared for the world to come. We are measured only by how much we have learned to love. God's provident and loving care extends to all, living and dead. After all, Paul reminds us in his letter to the Romans, that Jesus died for us while we were still sinners - this shows the depth of divine mercy and compassion. Jesus offers His followers eternal life. This is not only living with God after we die. Eternal life is something that we can begin to experience in this life even before we die. It describes a quality of life - living in conscious awareness of the presence of God. Jesus has us fixed in His gaze - He came down from heaven for this purpose, to lift up and save all who were willing to open their hearts and minds. We are with God - always. No power whatsoever can come between us. Like what Jesus does in today's Gospel, we should praise and bless the Father for hiding these things from the learned and the clever, and revealing them to us, mere children, who are willing to be open to God's movements in our lives.