Wednesday Word . . . Remembrances
The legend lives on from the Chippewa on down . . .
This past Monday was the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald on Lake Superior. Yesterday was Veteran’s Day, originally designated as Armistice Day to remember the end of WWI and those who served in that war and was then changed to Remembrance Day in other countries to remember all men and women who served in the military. And, of course, November 2 was All Saints’ Sunday when we remembered all the saints of God.
As I said last week, death is an inevitable part of life. But just because it is inevitable does not make it easy. The burial service is rightfully an Easter liturgy because it finds its meaning in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. But even in that joy of resurrection we are faced with deep sorrow at the loss of a loved one; that is normal and good. Besides mourning a death, we may also be faced with taking on additional tasks and/or responsibilities that the other person always took care of or maybe there’s a permanent empty space in our lives.
But as we continue on in our lives we, hopefully, find ways to remember those who have gone before. Every year on November 10 the bell from the Edmund Fitzgerald is rung 31 times in the maritime cathedral – 29 times for each crewmember, once for every sailor who lost their life on the Great Lakes, and once for Gordon Lightfoot who immortalized that ship and crew. On November 11 people around the world remember those who served and/or gave their lives in military service. On All Saints’ Sunday the church remembers all the saints of God, both known and unknown to us.
And we remember at other times and in other ways. I remember my dad who couldn’t contain his laughter as he read Amelia Bedelia to our very young daughter, or the passion he had for his favorite football team.
Death may be inevitable, but our remembrances are vitally important. May we find ways to remember those who have gone before in ways that bring us joy.
Blessings,
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