tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329600504016968888.post1293915665467385071..comments2024-03-29T09:20:16.581-05:00Comments on Pastoral Meanderings: Burying My Friends. . .Pastor Petershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10653554256101480140noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329600504016968888.post-38822516038004505252011-07-12T01:43:18.834-05:002011-07-12T01:43:18.834-05:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.Elhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05479147352816145505noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329600504016968888.post-75519423034163379232011-07-11T12:25:18.744-05:002011-07-11T12:25:18.744-05:00St. Paul, who wrote and preached so much about the...St. Paul, who wrote and preached so much about the assurance of eternal life, and the joys of heaven to come, also wrote this (Philippians 2: 25), “Still, I think it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus—my brother and co-worker and fellow soldier, your messenger and minister to my need; 26 for he has been longing for all of you, and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill. 27 He was indeed so ill that he nearly died. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, so that I would not have one sorrow after another. 28 I am the more eager to send him, therefore, in order that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious. 29 Welcome him then in the Lord with all joy, and honor such people, 30 because he came close to death for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up for those services that you could not give me.” <br /><br />In the first chapter he wrote (Philippians 1:23), “… my desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better; 24 but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for you.” It is interesting that while St. Paul considers being with Christ to be “far better”, he considers that God had mercy on Epaphroditus when the latter did not receive what is “far better”.<br /><br />So even in St. Paul there was the tension between sorrowing when a friend died, and being convinced of the superiority of life with Christ. On the other hand, our Lord had no such conflicting feelings; He wept when He had to bring back His friend Lazarus from where it was “far better.”<br /><br />Peace and Joy!<br />George A. MarquartAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329600504016968888.post-65702334236714813162011-07-10T19:25:54.540-05:002011-07-10T19:25:54.540-05:00One of our previous organists once told me how har...One of our previous organists once told me how hard it was to play for funerals - and then to later look down from the balcony and see the growing number of holes where living members once sat. <br /><br />Our now-retired organist of 60 years (retired 6 years ago at age 80) spent 2 days thinking about (& I'm sure praying) whether she could manage to play for the funeral of my mother, her dearest friend. She did, and it was such a blessing to me, especially at the end when she played, at my request, the Hallelujah Chorus.<br /><br />God give you strength as you face these sad occasions, and may he remind you again of the glorious reunion to come.Suehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04503743050696171950noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329600504016968888.post-49792947077590274912011-07-10T13:42:27.785-05:002011-07-10T13:42:27.785-05:00It is natural as a caring and loving
shepherd of h...It is natural as a caring and loving<br />shepherd of his flock that a pastor<br />experience grief at every funeral<br />he conducts in his parish. This<br />would be the norm not the exception.<br /><br />What makes it more difficult is when<br />you have been in a parish over 20 yrs<br />and your pastoral relationships with<br />your flock are much deeper than<br />a pastor with only 2 to 4 years at a<br />parish.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329600504016968888.post-68489288780104943522011-07-10T06:57:02.465-05:002011-07-10T06:57:02.465-05:00I wish I had words of comfort for you that would c...I wish I had words of comfort for you that would convey the feelings of my heart and spirit. The older we get, the closer we are to the same place as you mentioned. I think God prepares us for that time we too are put to rest, watching those we love go before.<br /><br />We bury a piece of ourselves with each person we say goodbye for now. I think all those pieces are put back together in heaven with our Lord. <br /><br />It hurts beyond measure and the tears really never stop until we are freed from this world of death and sin. <br /><br />Peace and God's blessings to you and your family that support you in your calling.Sagehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09337019503451500138noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329600504016968888.post-78667306313702432252011-07-10T06:01:32.029-05:002011-07-10T06:01:32.029-05:00My husband is young in the ministry (3 years ordai...My husband is young in the ministry (3 years ordained) and so we are only just beginning to taste this. It is bitter and sweet.<br /><br />It is good to know that God sustains those farther along the path we are traveling.Emily Cookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12014196267197823268noreply@blogger.com