a prophetic voice-

Grant that she many finally Rest in holy peace At home with you and those in whose Company she will live in love Eternally. Amen. Let it be so

nothing lasts forever forever is a lie, distorting   how we see today, tomorrow finitude contains the truth   of our humanity, shining light on this very moment   this fleeting never-to-be-lived-again             moment breathe in.  breathe out inspiration.  expiration life riding on the breath   the ruach   the spirit until one last breath in-   or out, and then forever   is no more or matters not a bit absorbed into infinity' s deep mystery with molecules among the stars our DNA enlivening those we   leave behind-              perhaps forever taking a              different shape?

A dear and precious saint died this week, a member of the parish I had pastored for fourteen years, until my retirement in 2004. And when her son called, after telling me the news of her death, his next words were, "You know what I'm going to ask. Will you preside at her funeral?" Now, I know this may sound peculiar (though I often find  things about me do...sound peculiar, that is...especially regarding "churchy" matters), but I have always enjoyed presiding at funerals. No... "enjoy" is not the right word...I have been honored and humbled by the awesome gift and responsibility of pronouncing the words of comfort to the bereaved, of commending the dear departed into the hands of God- where he or she already fully rests. Each time I have been called upon to do this, I know that I am standing upon Holy Ground- and I am always tempted to take off my shoes and bow down. For I know that the words I say are hallowed by the God who loves us so fully, so co...