February 7, 2024

Wednesday Word:  On Death

One day your soul will quit your body . . . all that we do know is that die we shall, and for the most part sooner than we expect. – The Devout Life, St. Francis DeSales

Death is never easy.  Oh, it may be easy for some who die, but not always.  It may be expected and a relief, such as after a long illness.  For those who are left behind, expected or unexpected, death is never easy.

For those of us left behind, we must begin to make a new reality, for what was is no more.  Whether that is daily, weekly, or monthly conversations that can no longer happen, to regular coffee shop visits that are now ended, and everything in between, we are forced to make an adjustment to our lives.  We are forced to recognize that for us, life will and must continue, even though it continues in a form we would rather not adjust to.

While the death of a friend, family member, or even acquaintance leaves a particular empty spot in my life, and while tears are shed and questions asked, I still live in the hope of the resurrection.  This doesn’t mean I don’t weep.  It doesn’t mean I have a Pollyanna view of life and death.  It simply means I live in hope.

Some of my favorite words in the BCP comes from the Proper Preface of the burial service: 

            For to your faithful people, O Lord, life is changed, not ended; and when

            our mortal body lies in death, there is prepared for us a dwelling place

            eternal in the heavens.

Death comes for us all.  May we weep for lives and loves lost.  May we smile and laugh for lives lived well.  And may we always live in hope.

All of us go down to the dust; yet even at the grave we make our song:  Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

Todd+