Funeral #2

On behalf of the Pastor, the staff and all of us here at St. Catherine's, please accept our deepest condolences on the loss of your husband, your father, your friend. Pamela, while I know what it is like to lose a spouse after 30 years of marriage, I cannot imagine your shock at losing Henry on a vacation celebrating those 30 years. 

 

Your time of planned joy, a trip to celebrate your life together, had a much different outcome than you had planned. In the first reading today, we hear that there is a “time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance.” This is probably not the time for laughing and dancing, but it is certainly the proper time for weeping and mourning. We must, however, temper our sorrow with the thought that there is more to life than this existence on this earth. God knows what it is like to watch a loved one die. He watched His own son suffer and die on the cross for us. Our pain and suffering is no stranger to our God. 

 

The paschal candle, burning brightly with the light of Christ, reminds us that Christ is the resurrection and the life. Those of us, who in faith, believe in Him, will never die. If we keep that promise in our hearts, we will more easily find “a time to build” and a “”time to heal”.

When Henry first arrived at the entrance of the Church today, there was an American flag on the casket. This flag represents his service to his country in Kuwait and we honor him for that service. He treasured his friendships with his VFW brothers. Those brothers are well represented here today as well. In long standing practice, we remove the flag here in the Church and replace it with a white shroud. That white cloth reminds us of the spotless garment that Henry wore at his baptism. Henry was baptized into the family of God's children. As a member of God's family he participates in the eternal life of Christ. Henry may be dead in this world, but he lives on in Christ. As Christ said in the gospel, “Do not let your hearts be troubled” and “In my Father's house, there are many dwelling places”. We trust that Henry is on his way, even now, to a place that God has chosen for him. That brings us a measure of comfort and peace, knowing that God is caring for Henry now.

At the wake, I heard stories about Henry, both good and less than perfect. He and Pamela may not have had an “Ozzie and Harriet” marriage, but who can claim that today? Henry was human, he had faults and don't we all. What does our God think about our human failings? He loves us just as we are, no matter how often we fail. There were some damaged relationships between Henry and some members of his family. That does not make those involved bad people, just human beings. I understand how a falling out can occur. For the better part of a year, my mother and I barely spoke. I know how that can affect a relationship. It is never to late for any of us to have a conversation with Henry. He will hear you and might respond in ways you never expected. 

 

In the second reading today, we heard “Christ, raised from the dead, dies no more; death no longer has power over Him”. In a similar manner, death has no more power over Henry. Death has no power over those who believe in Christ.

Let us remember Henry as God saw him, a beloved son trying to do his best for his family in this world.