Bella Jean's Homily - Memorial Mass

The vision of heaven is just beyond our human capacity to see.

Thanks to Prophets like Isaiah, the veil blocking our view of heaven is lifted ever so briefly so we can gaze on heaven’s glory.

“You are precious in my eyes and glorious.”

As Isaiah reminds us about our relationship with God: “I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine.”

God’s love for us is beyond our bounds of reason.  We are precious in His eyes and therefore are glorious.  The glory of this relationship with our creator is the glory your daughter Bella Jean is now basking in, her face shining brightly in the light of Christ.  What a glorious picture.

In our Gospel reading today, Jesus shares the magnificence of His Father’s Kingdom and His place in it as the key that unlocks the door. 

But admits, “You have hidden these things from the wise and the learned… you have revealed them to the childlike.”

In other words, what Jesus is trying to tell us can be best understood by the vulnerable, the marginalized and the powerless.  These are the ones who instantly understand the only begotten Son’s place in His Father’s Kingdom.

The actual Greek word used is “hepioi,” or “infants.”  By using this word, Christ wants us to understand only the most needy, the most dependent, the most inexperienced in life are the ones who best get His teachings and understand his saving deeds.

Our grown-up human minds sometimes struggle with this.

As we heard in St. John’s Epistle in our second reading,

“Beloved, we are God’s children now; what we shall be has not yet been revealed.”

But it has been revealed to Bella Jean.

The goal of all disciples of Christ is to one day enter the heavenly kingdom – for what we shall be to be revealed to us – and for us to live for eternity with Jesus and our loved ones who have gone before us. 

Stay connected to Bella Jean in prayer and through the grace of Holy Communion.

And know she awaits her heavenly reunion with you, Kylie, and you, Sean.  What a glorious reunion it will be, too. 

In the meantime, we must continue on in this “Valley of Tears.”  As we do let us be consoled by Christ’s divine message from today’s Gospel. 

While you are now burdened with the pain of missing Bella Jean, remember the words of Jesus, ”Come to me, all you who… are burdened, and I will give you rest.” 

Grief, pain and distress – these are the burdens Christ is referring to when he promises us relief – especially from this great sadness.

Remember, there is no burden so great that Christ can’t help you to bear it.  None.  

I saw a beautiful poem this week.  I pray it helps you find comfort as you now remember your little angel and await a time when your family can embrace her in the light of heaven.   The poem is entitled: 

             Your Angel Baby

In a baby castle, just beyond your eye,
Your baby plays with angel toys that money cannot buy.
Who are (we) to wish (her) back into this world of strife,
No, play on… baby, (she’ll) have eternal life.
At night when all is silent and sleep forsakes your eyes,
You’ll hear (her) tiny footsteps come running to your side
(Her) little hands caress you so tenderly and sweet,
You’ll breathe a prayer and close your eyes and embrace (her) in your sleep.
Now you have a treasure that you rate above all others
You have known true glory,
You are still (her father and) (her) mother.

Kylie and Sean:  Be assured of our continued prayers, be assured of our love for you as you heal from your loss, and be assured that your baby girl is in good hands now.    

Bella Jean will always be precious in your eyes.  And now she is glorious forever in God’s loving embrace.