November 21, 2020
Good afternoon,
In the Christian tradition tomorrow is Eternity Sunday. It invites us to remember those we know who have died this year. Who have you lost this year ? Here at Poole we can name Laverne Poole, Hans Troester, Dianne Rellinger and John Schultz. Did I miss anyone ? Then there are family members and friends who also have passed away. I remember our son-in-law Ala’s father, Mohammed Rahma. Then there are the new unfortunate deaths: 1.3 million dying of Covid and related illnesses.
” Soon afterwards he went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went with him. As he approached the gate of the town, a man who had died was being carried out. He was his mother’s only son, and she was a widow; and with her was a large crowd from the town. When the Lord saw her, he had compassion for her and said to her, “Do not weep.” ” Luke 7:11-13Her only son, and she was a widow, so she was marginalized. She has few rights and no land. Read the Ruth and Naomi story ( from the Old Testament ) for what happened to Naomi when she arrived back in Israel. Grief and sorrow was real for Jesus. Then the community walked with the woman of Nain. She was surrounded with people that loved her. Jesus often showed compassion in difficult situations in the life around him. And Jesus must not have healed everyone because all the people of his lifetime have now died.
No matter how much I pray or talk to God, people continue to pass away. Our prayers often will change our perspective and life, rather than change the mind of God. So, keep praying with words, or in silence. God is divine, and we do not think like God. We do not even know if God thinks, at least not like us. Maybe, God just ” is”. God has always been here, wherever here is. God is timeless and beyond our comprehension. That is why we should continue to reach out and speak with God.
Light a candle for the people you want to remember this year. As we move to Advent and Christmas, when we will miss the empty chair around the virtual meal we will eat, say a prayer for yourself to God. Say the names, remember what they mean to you, and grieve deeply your loss.
Salaam and strength for our many and varied journeys.
Fred
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