One of the best reads is a book entitled Praying our Goodbye, by Sr. Joyce Rupp. She emphasizes that

• First, all in life is passing and fleeting
• Second, she says nothing is permanent in the world
• Third, she says that life is only a series of two things: hellos and goodbyes

When it comes to goodbyes, we all know that the deeper the love, the more difficult the goodbye. An example in the Gospel is when Mary Magdalene kept on holding on to Jesus. She had difficulty letting go.

My dear friends, letting go of a loved one is so difficult, yet there are other things in life that we tend to hold on to more: titles and positions, memorable items, pets, material things, and wealth. 

Hence, three things we should remember to help us let go:

1. We came into this world with nothing and we are leaving this world the same way. Further, as we grow older, the fewer things we need in life. The challenge is to let go and make other people enjoy the blessing, instead of just leaving it all behind.
   
2. When the Lord gives, there is a reason; when the Lord takes, there is also a reason. We must remember that everything has a proper time. May we know when to hold on and when to let go.
   
3. We are always reminded to trust God. Letting go is very difficult but when we let go, we give space to the next blessing. 

In this life, may continue to pray our goodbyes. Sometimes, we think that holding on means strength. Life reminds us it is when we let go.