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Nothing can separate us from the love of God

Funeral, Sacrament-based, Holy Day, Holiday, Special Occasion - Sample homilies to be adapted for your use

Funeral: Death of a child "Part of me is gone: what years of love and affection have fused in me as one has been cut away." —Father Ed Hayes, from the book Prayers for a Planetary Pilgrim These are the words that have haunted me in the last days as I have watched you, [parent(s)], grieve the loss of your beautiful and innocent daughter, the daughter who was created in love and was a visible sign of that love. "Part of me is gone." As we gather this morning to celebrate her life, it is indeed true that it feels as if part of all of us has been cut away. The wound is raw and throbbing. No matter how we sit or move, no matter what we do—in every conversation and every action—every moment is filled with this nearly unspeakable pain. We ask why did she die so young? How could a loving God allow this to be? Even if we knew the answers, we are not ready to hear them. And so we tell the stories that we know—and hope that in doing so, a door will open, an insight will come, and we might catch, for a tiny instant, a glimmer of God's hope and consolation. Some years ago, a woman had just given birth to her first child. She and her husband had lived with infertility for several years, so this baby was something of a miracle. In the midst of the euphoric homecoming, a card arrived from an old and dear friend, which read in part: "We promise you our support as you begin the journey of returning this child back to God." She read the card several times. How could someone, and a good friend no less, even suggest such a thing? This longed-for baby had just arrived. The words alternately puzzled, frightened, and annoyed her. But she couldn't take her eyes off the card and she couldn't get the words out of her head. As she let the words sink in and take hold, she finally admitted the truth of the message. This child was indeed a treasured gift on loan from God. Our children are gifts from God. And truly, all of life is gift. The relationships of life—among parents, children, siblings, grandparents, friends, partners, and soul mates—are the very relationships that enrich our days and give life meaning. In daily give and take, in laughter and in tears, in fighting and making up, in very ordinary and extraordinary ways, we learn to care deeply and to love others. And so we open ourselves not only to the joy of human love but the potential pain of human loss. To escape the pain you feel—and we all feel today—you would never have loved her, you would never have learned to care so deeply, to laugh at her antics, to marvel at her innocence and goodness, to experience her unconditional love. That is the price we pay today as we gather here, seeking the healing love of God. God counts our tears, the psalmist David tells us (Psalm 56:8). God not only counts them but also records them. God who experienced the death of his own Son has promised that he will never abandon us. Though mountains fall and hills turn to dust, God's love will never forsake us. For as the apostle Paul wrote in his letter to the Romans, "I am convinced that neither death, nor life . . . will be able to separate us from the love of God" (8:38-39). [Parents], God's love for you is made visible in this community that surrounds you today. In the weeks and months to come, our love and our prayers will continue. Call on our prayers and call on us to help you do what you think you cannot do. Call on our prayers when you are in doubt, so that you may hold on to faith. Call on our prayers when you are afraid, so that you may cling to hope. Call on our prayers when you want to give up so that you may persevere. Call on our prayers when you think that her life is over so that you may remember that life in Christ goes on forever and one day we will again see eye to eye. We will continue to tell the stories, to honor her memory and to cherish your love for him/her. We will continue to give thanks for the gift of her life, until that day comes when we know for ourselves, and no longer need to take it on faith, that death will never ever separate us from God's love.

Authors Peggy Ekerdt

funeral death of a child/baby Psalm 56:8 Romans 8:38-39

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Word of the Week

24 November 2024

Solemnity

\sə-'lem-nə-tē\

From Latin sollemnis for “fixed ceremonial,” highest-ranking day of the church calendar that celebrates a mystery of faith such as the Trinity, an event in the life of Jesus, Mary, the Mother of God, or another important saint. Solemnities override every other feast or memorial, including Sundays in Ordinary Time. The church assigns Sundays and solemnities three readings—from a prophet, apostle, and gospel—to instruct the faithful in the work of salvation.

Pronunciation Read more

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