The liturgy for the dead is an Easter liturgy. It finds all its meaning

in the resurrection. Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we, too, shall be raised.

The liturgy, therefore, is characterized by joy, in the certainty that

"neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things

present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor

anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the

love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.''

This joy, however, does not make human grief unchristian. The very love we have for each other in Christ brings deep sorrow when we are parted by death. Jesus himself wept at the grave of his friend. So, while we rejoice that one we love has entered into the nearer presence of our Lord, we sorrow in sympathy with those who mourn.

I talk a great deal about "glimpses", how we see pictures and have moments where we see the Kingdom.  This Sunday afternoon as we gather to celebrate Suzy and comfort those who grieve we will shift from our lenten journey and step fully into Easter. Join us if you can, Pray for Russ and Kathy, their family and Suzy's friends.  May faith be stirred up; May we know the Father's care and love; May people come to know and love Jesus more deeply, may we all know the comfort of the Holy Spirit everyday as we journey toward eternity.  Until that Great Day we wait with hope, knowing that He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also bring life to our mortal bodies.    

in the mission,

Father Jon+