Autumn’s beauty invites a Catholic reflection on mortality, hope, and eternal life. Weaving Scripture (Genesis 3:19), the Catechism (1020), and cultural touchstones like Anne of Green Gables and The Song of Bernadette, this piece reframes “remember your death” as a call to prayer, the sacraments, and renewal — showing why October’s melancholy points us toward Heaven.

One of the most challenging aspects of living with a chronic illness is that I don’t look sick. I’m not observably sick. To another’s eye, I look perfectly healthy. Over the years, this has made day-to-day living an emotional battle.

The Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross honors the Cross of Christ. In it, we remember the rich history — things like the astounding story of St. Helena’s discovery of the Cross is in 326 A.D., the dedication of the Holy Sepulcher by Constantine, and of course, the restoration of the Cross to Jerusalem on September 14, 629 A.D. But now, as we celebrate this day, we also call to mind the triumph of the Cross of Christ — conquering death and liberating us from sin.

Saint Martha is an example of spiritual growth and maturity in the Gospels. She is only mentioned by Saint Luke and Saint John as the woman who was upset with her sister, Mary, who sat at Jesus’ feet while she prepared the food (Luke 10:38-42) and the woman who proclaimed that if Jesus had been there, her brother Lazarus would not have died (John 11:20-27). She also plays a role as the server at the supper for Jesus where Mary anointed his feet (John 12:2).