A funeral was held here today ... for one of the people who has been part of this faith community almost since the beginning. She was born three years after the parish was founded, and well before the construction of the building that we call home.
A celebration of her life, this was a time to remember and give thanks for all she did through the many years of her faithful life: service to God and to her country, service to others who were in need - especially patients in hospital with whom she visited and who she fed with the bread of life, and so many more ....
This was also a moment for the commuity of believers to be present to her family members, caring for them and helping them with our prayers and consolations. Her husband still serves the parish in many ways, and is a true example to the rest of us of dedication to faith and to self-giving. For the past six years, he has visited daily with his wife who was confined due to advancing illness, and yet he never lost sight of others in our community who were and are in need. With examples such as his, we indeed have in our midst the bright lights of mentors to show us the way to immitating Jesus himself in serving others out of love and motivated by compassion.
Today was also a day for me to spend time with these people of faith, getting to know some of them just a bit better, growing to appreciate their giftedness and sharing some significant moments. This is truly what ministering to them is about. This is the true meaning that Jesus came to teach us about walking with others in their time of need, about helping them to understand the fact that we are all created as an act of love by our God, and all meant to be one with Him.
When each of us meets again with the One who has created us, we can only hope that there are others who will walk the path with those we must leave behind, helping them to cope with the anguish of separation, and to know the abiding love that constantly invites us to the fullness of life.
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