We are not alone

We celebrated a funeral today for a committed family man, well respected and deeply loved.  He will be missed by all those who knew him, but he will continue to watch over us from his place in heaven.

Funeral homily for André Brulé

Over the past few days, more and more people have heard the news about a tragic accident that took the life of our brother.  As the news spread, everyone who knew Andy has reacted with shock and disbelief.  There are no human words to explain why this life was changed so suddenly, and why we are gathered here today to celebrate this funeral liturgy.

The gospel account that we have just heard speaks of another time in history when such tragic and surprising news had spread quickly among friends and family.  Like us, they too gathered around the dead man`s family to offer their sympathy and to support them in their time of loss.  When human beings experience sudden loss, there is often a period of time when nothing seems to make sense.  We seem only to exist, unaware of things that are happening around us.  This was probably the same for those who were carrying that man out of the town in order to bury him, so they were unaware of Jesus and his disciples who happened to be passing by.  Jesus however, saw the grieving widow and felt sorry for her (Lk 7:13).  This is good news!  We are not alone in our grief!  Even in moments when nothing else seems to make sense, Jesus is close to us, holding us, comforting us and caring for us.

Saint Luke tells us that Jesus went up and put his hand on the stretcher and the bearers stood still (Lk 7:14).  Just for a few moments, let us stand still in the presence of Jesus, so that he can offer us his loving comfort.

As we do, let us give thanks to God for the time he has given us to spend with Andy.  The life and the death of each one of us does indeed have an influence on others (cf Rom 14:7), so it is fitting that we should perhaps consider some of the ways in which he has been an example of love and faith for us.  He and Simone spent 57 years together as husband and wife.  Together they had the joy of raising five children, and they cherished each one of their 17 grandchildren.

Andy’s faith has always been an important part of his life.  In younger years, he was a dedicated member of the Knights of Columbus.  Together with his brothers in the London area, he shared the joy of his Catholic faith and he spent countless hours giving to charity.  His brother Knights also entrusted him with the responsibility of serving as Grand Knight while he was there.  After he retired from the workforce, Andy and Simone moved to North Bay, and have lived in Tilden Lake ever since.  Those who have been privileged to call Andy their father, their grandfather, their fellow Knight, their co-worker and their brother in Christ can truly appreciate the many ways in which his life has had an influence on ours.

The human side of us is grieving for all that we have known throughout Andy’s many years.  In the blink of an eye, we have lost a confidant, a life partner, a trusted friend, but we have also gained a powerful protector in heaven.  We may not fully understand this truth yet, but grace and mercy await the chosen of the Lord, and protection his holy ones (Wis 7:15).

In the sight of this world, Andy’s life was ended very quickly, but through the eyes of faith, we believe that his life was not ended; rather, it was changed.  In the sight of God, he has once again been restored to his youth, and Jesus has taken him by the hand and whispered in his ear: Young man, I tell you to get up (Lk 7:14).  We may not be able to see it with human eyes, but Andy can now sit up, stand up and speak, not with a human voice but with the voice of the angels.  One day we will see him again, when we too are restored to our youth in heaven.  Until that day, let us ask him to watch over us with the loving presence of a grandfather who takes joy and pride in the accomplishments of his grandchildren.  Let us ask him to intercede for us and to help us to walk the road ahead, always on the lookout for others who are caught up in the trials and tribulations of life, always ready to help in whatever way we can by providing comfort and consolation and most of all by sharing the good news that Jesus is risen.