I don't know how people without faith face the death of a loved one. I could not have faced the death of family members and friends without the hope and trust, without the belief I have that death is not the end.
Two texts from the Vigil for the Deceased (the wake) give voice to this faith which sustains me.
I'm always pleased when I can lead these prayers when gathered with a grieving family...
My brothers and sisters,
we believe that all the ties of friendship and affection
which knit us as one throughout our lives
do not unravel with death.
Confident that God always remembers the good we have done
and forgives our sins,
let us pray, asking God to gather John to himself.
Lord our God,
the death of our brother John
recalls our human condition
and the brevity of our lives on earth.
But for those who believe in your love
death is not the end,
nor does it destroy the bonds you forge
in our lives.
We share the faith of your Son's disciples
and the hope of the children of God.
Bring the light of Christ's resurrection
to this time of testing and pain
as we pray for John
and for those who love him
through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Our God "knits us as one" throughout our lives in ties of love and affection. Not even death can unravel what God has knit together. God forges, like steel, bonds of love among us that cannot be destroyed. Neither our loss or pain, neither our grief nor our sadness can separate us from the love of God.
There were times when I lost some of the most important people in my life and all things seemed to fall apart. However, eventually, things have come full circle and I can embrace the love we had, and realize that it never dies. It just changes a bit.
ReplyDeleteAs difficult as it is to move beyond the pain of grief, when we come to an understanding that we were indeed blessed by having our loved ones in our life for however long we have them, we learn to understand that they are not gone, just in a better place. It doesn't take away the grief those of us left behind feel, but I know I find myself thanking God for sharing his special souls with me and knowing they are waiting in His kingdom, and we shall see each other again. I have been blessed and hold that very dear to my heart.
I love the words you speak to those who grieve. I know it has helped me.
Thank you Concord Pastor.