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I don't know about you, but funerals have never been something that brought peace to me. I knew that the person was no longer hurting, that they had earned their reward. They were now resting in heaven with Jesus!
Knowing these things were comforting. But the funeral itself? Not so much...At least not until I was an adult and I attended a Catholic funeral.
Maybe it was because of the family, or the nature of the person's death. Or perhaps it was because I had reached adulthood. It could be that I am crazy. Whatever the reason, something felt different about a funeral in the Catholic Church. The service was full of hope and rejoicing, a true celebration. When I cried, they were tears of joy rather than sorrow. This funeral mass was beautiful, dare I say, happy.
We recently sang for a parishioner's funeral. It was another beautiful celebration of life for a brother in Christ who had gone Home. The scripture readings were some of my favorites: Wisdom 3:1-6, 2 Corinthians 4:14-5:1, and John 14:2-3. If you've not read these, please take a moment to do so.
Father Bala gave his homily, in which he discussed our earthly bodies, our "tent". This body is not a permanent dwelling. It is easily damaged and easily taken up and moved. When our tent is finally destroyed in death, we have a perfect and permanent building in heaven. Father then repeated Christ's words from the gospel of John:
Knowing these things were comforting. But the funeral itself? Not so much...At least not until I was an adult and I attended a Catholic funeral.
Maybe it was because of the family, or the nature of the person's death. Or perhaps it was because I had reached adulthood. It could be that I am crazy. Whatever the reason, something felt different about a funeral in the Catholic Church. The service was full of hope and rejoicing, a true celebration. When I cried, they were tears of joy rather than sorrow. This funeral mass was beautiful, dare I say, happy.
We recently sang for a parishioner's funeral. It was another beautiful celebration of life for a brother in Christ who had gone Home. The scripture readings were some of my favorites: Wisdom 3:1-6, 2 Corinthians 4:14-5:1, and John 14:2-3. If you've not read these, please take a moment to do so.
Father Bala gave his homily, in which he discussed our earthly bodies, our "tent". This body is not a permanent dwelling. It is easily damaged and easily taken up and moved. When our tent is finally destroyed in death, we have a perfect and permanent building in heaven. Father then repeated Christ's words from the gospel of John:
"In My Father's house there are many rooms. I am going there to prepare a place for you."
Holy Spirit 2x4 moment: Christ prepares a place for us. Our Savior not only came to earth to die for us, He is setting up our eternal dwelling in heaven for us. Just imagine that! Imagine Jesus, fluffing pillows and straightening photo frames in your heavenly mansion. He knows you on a very personal level and is lovingly preparing your eternity!
As I heard these words, tears flowed from my eyes and a smile beamed on my face. What an amazing love Christ holds for me, for us all! Yes, there is pain at death, but only for those of us left behind, for we know that we are not home yet and cannot wait to be there!
As I heard these words, tears flowed from my eyes and a smile beamed on my face. What an amazing love Christ holds for me, for us all! Yes, there is pain at death, but only for those of us left behind, for we know that we are not home yet and cannot wait to be there!