Reflections on a Funeral…

“Well done, good and faithful servant…

I went to a funeral yesterday. It was the memorial Mass of my cousin’s wife, Betty. There was sadness, of course. A family had lost their mother, wife, grandmother, sister, etc. But this was truly a celebration of Betty’s life. You see, she lived a full life of love and service to her God, her church, her family, and her community. When someone lives such an impactful Christian life, we can indeed celebrate.

The priest who performed the Mass did such a beautiful job of explaining the Catholic liturgy of funerals, and the symbolism of each act performed. He spoke sincerely and directly to the family and comforted them. The message of Jesus was lifted high, and he used Betty’s life as an example of that.

The presence of family gathered in church to bid a farewell to one of its own is a powerful thing. The beautiful liturgy of the Catholic Church with its symbolism and message of hope gives comfort even in a time of great loss.  

One day, each of us will be on the other end of a funeral service. We want to make sure that our lives have been fully spent in the service of God and his creation. When that happens, there is sadness, of course, at our passing, but there is also reason to celebrate- and that is what we did yesterday.  

Prayer: Lord, be present with the grieving, and comfort them. Thank you for family, who can share the burden, Amen