Today, we celebrated the funeral Mass for my baby brother. He has been suffering for many years, most of those in silence and with great humility. Here is the homily I shared during the Mass.
The phone rang shortly after 5:30 that morning and I heard two words: Peter's gone. A flood of thoughts and emotions seemed to invade my still-sleeping brain, each of them fighting for my attention, struggling to make sense of the words I had just heard. But these were words that didn't make any sense. These were words that instantly seemed to change what was real. For the next few hours, it seemed as though time stood still. My mind was racing and yet it was as though it wasn't able to process thoughts. A few days have now gone by. In some ways, it still feels as though we cannot comprehend, but we are here, gathered together in this place to do what our faith teaches us to do.
At another time in history, two sisters, Martha and Mary, also experienced the reality of being separated from their beloved brother. As was the custom at the time, many Jews came to Martha and Mary to console them (Jn 11:19), but one of their friends - the one who had shared their table with them on many other occasions - was not there. At other times, Jesus had sat at table with them. They had heard about the miracles that he had been performing in other places, and now they had hoped that if only he had visited while Lazarus was sick, surely he could have worked a miracle for them too ... but Jesus had not come to visit. Lazarus had died and had been buried.
Forty-eight years ago, God entrusted Peter to our loving parents. Like all children, Paul, Peter and I have our own memories of the joys that we experienced, many of which we have shared with you. As newborn babies, each of us was baptized. Our parents - and other people of faith - introduced us to Jesus, and helped us to deepen our faith so that we too now know Jesus and call him our friend. We have given thanks in times of celebration and we have learned to turn to Jesus in times of doubt, for he is a loving friend, another brother who is always with us.
At an age that was much too young, Peter was diagnosed with Lupus, yet he never allowed this reality to invade his spirit. When the doctors told him to stay out of the sun, he sat in the yard and basked in its warmth. Over the past two decades or so, this disease has continued its progression. Despite its insistence, Peter did not give in. He completed his studies in the field of Prosthetics and Orthotics, he moved to Fort Lauderdale and basked in the sunshine there while pursuing his dream of one day helping many other people in need. When the progression of the disease made it more and more difficult for him to remain there, he returned home to the place where he - and we - have always been welcomed.
Like our home in Brampton, the home of Martha, Mary and Lazarus was also a place of welcome for Jesus and his disciples. They had been there on many previous occasions; they knew that place very well. When they had been tired out by the trials of life, that home provided them with a place to rest and to be refreshed. On many occasions, Jesus had shared meals with these friends, had spoken with them about various subjects, including the story of faith that they shared in common. Among the beliefs that Christians share with Jews is the understanding that when we have completed our earthly journeys we will rise again on the last day (Jn 11:24). Even in the midst of their grief, Jesus continued to teach them. When Martha affirmed her belief, Jesus replied: I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me ... will live (Jn 11:25).
Our brother Peter has left us far too early (cf Wis 4:7). Not having been granted an extended number of years, he was however graced with a quiet spirit and an understanding heart that was far beyond his years in its wisdom. Shortly after he had returned home from Florida, he met Lisa. Over these past fourteen years, they have shared many happy times. You made him truly happy. He loved you with all his heart, and he loved you and his precious Ayla more than either of you will ever know. Trying to envision the future without him may indeed seem unthinkable, but we can take courage in knowing that he was pleasing in the eyes of God, and was always deeply loved. He has now been taken up ... so that the temptations of this world can no longer influence his understanding, nor can his soul be deceived (cf Wis 4:10-11).
Later today, we will go forth from this place to continue the journey of our own lives. As we do, never let us be doubtful about Peter or about the future of anyone of our loved ones who have died: those who have faith in the promise of our loving God. Let us not grieve as others do who have no hope (1 Thes 4:13). Our faith has always taught us that Jesus died and rose again. As a result, we who are beloved children of God can be sure that God will bring Peter and all those who have died to live with him (cf 1 Thes 4:14).
In the meanwhile, let us continue this moment of prayer. Gathering around this altar and participating in this act of faith, let us stand before the Lord and speak the words of faith that were uttered by Lazarus' sister Martha: Yes Lord, we believe that you are the Christ, the Son of the living God (Jn 11:27).
Dearest friends, let us encourage one another with these words of faith (1 Thes 4:18). Amen.
Funeral homily for Peter David Man-Son-Hing
The phone rang shortly after 5:30 that morning and I heard two words: Peter's gone. A flood of thoughts and emotions seemed to invade my still-sleeping brain, each of them fighting for my attention, struggling to make sense of the words I had just heard. But these were words that didn't make any sense. These were words that instantly seemed to change what was real. For the next few hours, it seemed as though time stood still. My mind was racing and yet it was as though it wasn't able to process thoughts. A few days have now gone by. In some ways, it still feels as though we cannot comprehend, but we are here, gathered together in this place to do what our faith teaches us to do.
At another time in history, two sisters, Martha and Mary, also experienced the reality of being separated from their beloved brother. As was the custom at the time, many Jews came to Martha and Mary to console them (Jn 11:19), but one of their friends - the one who had shared their table with them on many other occasions - was not there. At other times, Jesus had sat at table with them. They had heard about the miracles that he had been performing in other places, and now they had hoped that if only he had visited while Lazarus was sick, surely he could have worked a miracle for them too ... but Jesus had not come to visit. Lazarus had died and had been buried.
Forty-eight years ago, God entrusted Peter to our loving parents. Like all children, Paul, Peter and I have our own memories of the joys that we experienced, many of which we have shared with you. As newborn babies, each of us was baptized. Our parents - and other people of faith - introduced us to Jesus, and helped us to deepen our faith so that we too now know Jesus and call him our friend. We have given thanks in times of celebration and we have learned to turn to Jesus in times of doubt, for he is a loving friend, another brother who is always with us.
At an age that was much too young, Peter was diagnosed with Lupus, yet he never allowed this reality to invade his spirit. When the doctors told him to stay out of the sun, he sat in the yard and basked in its warmth. Over the past two decades or so, this disease has continued its progression. Despite its insistence, Peter did not give in. He completed his studies in the field of Prosthetics and Orthotics, he moved to Fort Lauderdale and basked in the sunshine there while pursuing his dream of one day helping many other people in need. When the progression of the disease made it more and more difficult for him to remain there, he returned home to the place where he - and we - have always been welcomed.
Like our home in Brampton, the home of Martha, Mary and Lazarus was also a place of welcome for Jesus and his disciples. They had been there on many previous occasions; they knew that place very well. When they had been tired out by the trials of life, that home provided them with a place to rest and to be refreshed. On many occasions, Jesus had shared meals with these friends, had spoken with them about various subjects, including the story of faith that they shared in common. Among the beliefs that Christians share with Jews is the understanding that when we have completed our earthly journeys we will rise again on the last day (Jn 11:24). Even in the midst of their grief, Jesus continued to teach them. When Martha affirmed her belief, Jesus replied: I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me ... will live (Jn 11:25).
Our brother Peter has left us far too early (cf Wis 4:7). Not having been granted an extended number of years, he was however graced with a quiet spirit and an understanding heart that was far beyond his years in its wisdom. Shortly after he had returned home from Florida, he met Lisa. Over these past fourteen years, they have shared many happy times. You made him truly happy. He loved you with all his heart, and he loved you and his precious Ayla more than either of you will ever know. Trying to envision the future without him may indeed seem unthinkable, but we can take courage in knowing that he was pleasing in the eyes of God, and was always deeply loved. He has now been taken up ... so that the temptations of this world can no longer influence his understanding, nor can his soul be deceived (cf Wis 4:10-11).
Later today, we will go forth from this place to continue the journey of our own lives. As we do, never let us be doubtful about Peter or about the future of anyone of our loved ones who have died: those who have faith in the promise of our loving God. Let us not grieve as others do who have no hope (1 Thes 4:13). Our faith has always taught us that Jesus died and rose again. As a result, we who are beloved children of God can be sure that God will bring Peter and all those who have died to live with him (cf 1 Thes 4:14).
In the meanwhile, let us continue this moment of prayer. Gathering around this altar and participating in this act of faith, let us stand before the Lord and speak the words of faith that were uttered by Lazarus' sister Martha: Yes Lord, we believe that you are the Christ, the Son of the living God (Jn 11:27).
Dearest friends, let us encourage one another with these words of faith (1 Thes 4:18). Amen.
4 comments:
A beautiful tribute to a beautiful person, who I was so blessed many many times to receive hugs of welcome and to be at the opposite end of what I think of, as his infectious smiles and his questioning look, expressed by the cutest raising of one eyebrow. Until we meet again Peter, enjoy Flyball with the angels.
To meet Peter was to love him. He provided a place of refuge when you faced the trials of life....a place where your soul said "YES"...it's possible...cause I just have to look at Peter. He was a man who lived a life of faith...I was so privileged to have met him. Rest with your Father Peter...He needed you Home
Loving message of a person who appreciated the graces God shared with him and everyone close to him! God Bless all of you.
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