I read a critique today of funeral services as being too much about celebration of a person and not enough ritual or speaking of the saving grace of God through Christ. Hmmmm, not necessarily my experience, particularly yesterday at a most wonderful worship of praise to God for the life of Pat Willburn, her eternal life, and the gift of faith and spirit that she passed along to her family.
Listening to her grandchildren witnessing to her faith and guidance in their lives was beautiful. In the planning of the service the time with her children was a great joy as we shared stories of how Pat witnessed God’s love in their lives. As for ritual, our service of Celebration and Remembrance is full of great ritual; prayer and songs that reflect the faith of the beloved, the witness of church family members who so love Pat’s children and grandchildren, but the greatest ritual of all was the feast. You see the fullness of service was present, just as the fullness of God’s gift of eternal life, from mourning to feasting.
Just as Jesus feasted before the crucifixion and resurrection, so we feasted in celebration of Pat’s eternal life. The food of her life, the Italian luncheon lovingly prepared by the family, symbolized her life and love for others and God.
There is no such holier time than bringing together of loved ones to celebrate the eternal life of a beloved. In the day were tears of sadness, laughter, hugs, remembrances, and forgiveness as all came together. A great ritual of the complete presence of God.
What rituals take you to a holy time, a holy place that embodies the wholeness of our loving God?