Surrounded with the Church's prayer

It seems to be the time for reflections about significant moments in life ... or in this case, about the moment of entering into eternal life.

In many ways, society tries it's hardest to deny the significance of death. In some walks of life, people can either be ignored or passed over very quickly if they are unable to contribute in some significant way to the betterment of society or to the perceived good of themselves or others.

This question becomes ever more apparent (and sometimes dangerously so) especially in light of current legislation which is being debated in the Canadian House of Commons, specifically aimed at legalizing euthanasia in certain cases. In contrast to the tennets of this debate, the Church has always held the value of human life, from conception to natural death, in highest regard.

The liturgy of funerals (which were celebrated not once but twice in these parts today) pay particular attention to the dignity of the person. There are a number of references scattered throughout the liturgy which speak of baptism, the moment when life in faith begins. At the very beginning of this moment of prayer, the gathered community is invited to remember the day of baptism, when the departed loved one was first welcomed into the Church, given new life in Christ, and clothed with the garment of salvation.

At other moments during the liturgy, we give thanks for the food of life which we receive at the table of the Saviour and we commend our loved one to the mercy of God in the sure and certain hope that, together with all those who have died in Christ, we will rise with him on the last day.

In music, prayer and with gestures of love and concern, it is right that we should give thanks for the blessings which have been bestowed in this life, for they are all signs to us of God's goodness, and of our fellowship with the saints in Christ. When all is said and done, we are all saints in the making, who count on the prayer and guidance of others who have already walked this road, until the day that we too stand face to face with the One who gives us life.