I was chatting with a widow today in my office. Her husband died at age 48 in a car crash. She dreamed of him and asked him if there was anything he would have done differently in his life. He replied, “More cannons.”, which left her quite puzzled. I asked what religion her husband had followed. She replied that he had been Catholic, which she was not. I said that perhaps what he had said was “More canons.” I explained to her that the Canons of the Catholic Church were the laws of the Church. Suddenly her dream made perfect sense to her. “He wished he had been closer to the Church!’
In this Vale of Tears the life of eternity that surrounds this brief existence is kept from us, but faint echoes of the life beyond continually reach those who stop and listen for them.
Yes, something to think about and ACT on for sure, especially when it is accompanied by such beautiful music. Thanks Donald. But the story itself was rather tragic.
I disagree Michael. Perhaps you had to be there. The conversation was suffused with laughter of surprise and discovery, and the atmosphere was one of hope.
Thanks for the correction Donald. I’m very happy it turned out that way.
Donald,
This reminds me of a scene in some fiction work I read where a Catholic priest was assigned to India in colonial times, and was asked by a local (Anglican) expat to attend a party on the eve of Easter. He replied, saying that it was impossible to attend, due to Canon Law requirements. The Lady then wrote a letter to his Bishop, complaining about the priest and this horrible “Canon Law” that prevented the priest from attending her party.
🙂
You’ve decided to share this story and her positive reaction surmising that “He wished he had been closer to the church,” has me pondering the dream as well. I hope you don’t mind my perception.
In her conclusion I wonder of his sacramental life with Holy Church. Did he frequent the Sacraments, meet his obligations and build a relationship with Christ? Was he lacking in fulfilling his duties?
I ask because it is possible that this dream is a request for prayers.
Is he reaching out to her from Purgatory?
The relief she received when you explained the meaning of canon’s is a gift for her.
I will pray for her husband today, as my gift for him. If he’s already home in Heaven, he can send the gift in the form of grace to his surviving wife.
Thanks for sharing this story Donald.
This reminds of a woman asking the Cure’ of Ars, “How should I get to Heaven?” To which he replied, “Go straight like a cannonball”.
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