Let Me Go First and Bury My Father
The recent birth in our family of the first great-grandchild (and grandniece for me) brought to my mind the ties that hold us together. Recent deaths and illnesses of friends and loved ones have made me recall the fragility of those relationships and yet the enduring nature of those bonds. We honor and revere the people who are dear to us. We pray for them and remember them at Masses. When they are someone like the Queen of England, we turn out in the millions to watch the state funeral in person or through the media.
Let the Dead Bury Their Dead
So, what is Jesus doing here? Why does he seem to speak as family and friends do not matter? Why does he appear to maintain a stance that would prevent a son from performing the last duties due a beloved parent?
The Kingdom of God
Today’s psalm reading asks, “Will you work your wonders for the dead? Will the shades arise to give you thanks?” Jesus does not perform his miracles for the dead but for the living. In another place, the psalmist says, “The living give you thanks, as I do today.” The point of his ministry is to bring life and perhaps that is why he is not so taken up with goodbyes and burials. It is not that he discounts them, but his focus is on eternity.
Setting a Hand to the Plow
If we really love someone, we don’t leave them behind in death or parting. We bring the relationship forward, as we progress toward holiness, toward our own eternal life. We are all on the journey together. Perhaps Jesus is saying, “Keep moving; carry your loved ones with you into the new life I am offering. Bring them with you into paradise. There will be pain with the separation but that too will bring healing. “Sowing in tears” will bring forth rejoicing and we will be together, not in “oblivion” but in light.
Thank you for this beautiful post, Sister.