C has died. I was there Friday and had to leave, but just 45 minutes later, C slipped these earthly bonds. In a surprise turn J has asked me to speak at the funeral, since their own minister (of a large Church here in Tulsa) could not even bother with a phone call, much less a visit. That is one of the things that is hardest about large Churches, when you need them, will they be there for you? Well, anyway it has been an honor to walk this path with this very giving, loving couple.
Depart, O Christian soul, out of this world;
In the Name of God the Father Almighty Who created you;
In the Name of Jesus Christ Who redeemed you;
In the Name of the Holy Spirit Who sanctifies you.
May your rest be this day in peace,
and your dwelling place in the Paradise of God.
In manus tuas, Domine, † Commendo spiritum meum
Into thy hands, O Lord, † I commend my spirit
I think that's terrible that the Church didn't call or come.
But at least you did, MiT, and bless you for that. May C rest in peace, and light perpetual shine upon him.
Posted by: bls | August 02, 2005 at 04:56 PM
What matters in the end is that God was there with C and with J. And angels and saints and redeemed sinners, good and self-sacrificing pastors who had gone ahead, and some ministers (priests, bishops, popes) who were probably neglectful when alive, now given a chance to accompany the dying to the bosom of Abraham.
The first friend of mine who died of AIDS was a friar who died while his community was at Mass. They had just made arrangements to take him to hospice, after caring for him lovingly for months. He died while they prayed. I don't think he died alone.
Posted by: Damien Scott | August 01, 2005 at 12:37 PM
I add my prayers to yours, my friend.
Peace,
Mike
Posted by: Dr. Mike Kear | August 01, 2005 at 10:46 AM
Emily,
I talked to another friend here locally, and got the same response. So that even kinda makes it worse for me, in that some of these large Churches take care of their people, yet this one did not. However, it must be the person at the top, making certain there is staff for that function, I suspect.
Posted by: Monk-In-Training | August 01, 2005 at 09:01 AM
No, my husband worked for a VERY large church and they made a real effort at pastoral care. So it's not just the size.
Peace.
Posted by: Emily | August 01, 2005 at 08:45 AM