Sadness

Earlier in the year I went to a funeral for sister of a friend. She had taken her own life at the age of nineteen. There are plenty of things I could say here about suicide, depression, death at a young age, grief and loss; but other people have said those things better than I can. Instead, I will restrict my comments to funerals.

Firstly, it was a good funeral. The family said nice things, the music and service were minimally distracting and there were some nice personal touches. 

Second, I find funerals a bit ridiculous. Everybody acts as though it's all for the benefit of the person being buried. Funerals are for the family and friends, an opportunity to say goodbye and celebrate a life, and they can do that well.

Thirdly, Catholic funerals are especially sad. The priests were constantly praying that this girl might be accepted into heaven, that she might be included in the kingdom, that her sins may be forgiven. They tried to help things along by putting statues of saints and spraying holy water on her coffin, and burning incense. There was celebration of the sacraments she had taken which would put her in a good position, but there was no certainty. There was no joyful celebration of knowing we will see her again in glory, knowing that she is forgiven, accepted by God, heir of the promises. 

In the car on the way back there was discussion on what people would like or not like at their funeral. I didn't join in, but maybe I should have. Burn me, bury me, feed me to the cat, it's not going to bother me either way. But please, celebrate Jesus' death on my behalf, praise God that in his great mercy he called me into his Kingdom, and look forward to the day that when you will see me again and we will spend eternally praising the King of glory. And, most importantly, make sure that the gospel is preached clearly, make sure that my non-Christian friends and family are called to hear God's words and repent.