Reflections:
The two readings today give us comfort and support. The first reading from the apostle Paul was written in response to a situation in Rome where the followers of Christianity were having a problem coping with life. They were upset. Paul wanted to allay their fears and uncertainties. He basically tells the people that the human body is in suffering until it finds a better place which he calls redemption. That process is described in many different ways in other books and religions and is an accepted answer to suffering. It is a process that we witnessed in Jean during the past year and a half. It is difficult to go through especially for close family, her husband Kevin and her daughters and son. We believe that the redemptive process has been completed in Jean, and she will be resting in a place where no further suffering will come upon her.
And we are asked by Jesus to learn from him. Those who are burdened should find rest from the heavy burdens which have been carried, and will be carried in the coming days and months and years. We have learned that it is through mutual support that there is strength, that helping each other makes everything lighter, that problems can be overcome by sharing and letting others share. It requires humility and recognition of the fact that we have work to do together, the work of giving strength and consolation to each other. There is no room for self pity, but rather for kindness, love and caring, all of which require that attitude of sharing reflected in Jesus’ word “my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Let’s talk about Jean. Most of her life, she was not sick. She was married to Kevin for 27 years. She raised five children, four of whom are here today. She realized that she would never leave her children a fortune, so she told them of the two great gifts she could give, roots- a firm ground to stand on; and wings- so they could soar to the heights where they wanted to be. Her children remember this, and they remember to “count your blessings no matter what. Jean will be remembered as a devoted mother who was always there. She was on hand at the births of all of her eleven grandchildren. She took charge of the situation that was hers, in healthy times and in times of illness. Behind those beautiful blue eyes was a strong women who knew what was important and best for the family. She took charge, and tended to family business. She loved the family. She protected them. She was always there for them. She will be missed. And among her favorite quotes which I found yesterday written in perfect palmer method which we all do well to heed today: We can only appreciate the miracles of a sunrise when we have waited in darkness.