Another Funeral

A few days ago I conducted yet another funeral, this time of a special person in my previous Parish who died aged 76. I think it is generally unwise for clergy to return to their previous churches to conduct funerals, weddings, baptisms or whatever. Yet there are unique circumstances to justify doing so, as was the case on this occasion. The lady in question was a life long Christian who served her Lord and his Church, and her community, with unwavering commitment, energy, creativity and self-sacrifice. She was a leader in the Parish over decades. Sadly she contracted a brain tumour about 18 months ago, and left her home for surgery in Sydney, and then to live with family there until her death. She was therefore not really known to the current Rector, who graciously allowed the family's request that I conduct her funeral, with input also from another former Rector who was a long time friend.

I felt very privileged to do this. It was a wonderful celebration of God's grace in the life of a faithful disciple. Yes there were tears, she will be greatly missed, indeed had already been much missed since moving to Sydney. But what an opportunity to praise God for her and all he achieved through her life, and to remind everyone present of the hope that is ours in Christ.

At the cemetery, after her committal, I was able to stand beside another friend and Warden of that Church, at the grave of his grandson who died earlier this year at the age of 40 days. I was tearful as he told me again of the extraordinary impact of that child's short life, not only on his family, but on the Hospital and Medical Staff as he fought for life. And the impact also on the staff, by their own testimony, of the faith in Christ of his parents and grandparents through those painful days. Like my present Parish, this former posting was also in a small rural community, somewhat more isolated from major centres. There is truly something special about such places. They can be spiritually hardened, but occasions such as this funeral, not to mention the life and witness of the person we buried, make it harder to ignore the Church.