Another funeral

Today I had a funeral for an elderly man whom I had known in my previous adventure at St. Mary, and over these last several years. A wonderful man who at times seemed to have a gruff exterior, but was so very kind and generous. While it saddens me to see these old people die, I really feel privileged to be able to do their funerals.

I love the prayers of the funeral mass too. The words, gestures, scripture, and even music speak about faith and hope. The Paschal mystery and our participation in the mystery of the passion, death, and resurrection, are the primary focus. While we do allow cremation now, the preference of the Church is to have the body there for the funeral. The Body has dignity and worth. And of course through Christ's body we have salvation and everlasting peace. The funeral mass leaves us on a hopeful note.

It is most difficult to convey that to families today. Often times at funerals they want to remember how nice the person was. Even those who insist on doing eulogies (which we do not allow) they talk about their hobbies or what a good neighbor they were.

Some years ago Fr. Robert Barron wrote an article entitled Beige Catholic. He wrote about the very catholic culture in which he grew up in, and the liturgy which screamed out, 'sacrifice.' When we offer families the opportunity put the pall on the body, or explain some of the symbols, we are met with the deer in the headlights look. Perhaps we had whitewashed so much of our liturgy that the ideas of paschal mystery, and saving death of Jesus, do not make sense to most people anymore.

Moreso are the times when 'father' or 'mother' were a faithful practicing catholic, and the kids want something at the funeral home. It might be good to reiterate our catholic-ness wherever we are. It would be good to start up a conversation to discuss the hows and whys of what we believe in.