Burying the Dead
My thank you note to the multitudes of clergy, parish staff, and volunteers who devote themselves to this great work of mercy.
I’m just in from my grandmother’s memorial Mass, popping by for a moment while I have Wi-Fi to say one quick thing: Thank you to every priest, deacon, altar server, cantor, accompanist, secretary, bereavement coordinator, funeral-lunch lady (oh you especially!), janitor . . . all you who make funeral Masses happen.
Today’s Mass for my grandmother was so perfect and beautiful. Because it was held at not-my-parish I think I was all the more aware of how much work goes into even the most pared-down versions of this great work of mercy.
And a work of mercy it is.
Maybe for you who do this, it’s just your job. Maybe it’s a headache. Maybe it’s one more thing throwing off your week. Or maybe it’s pleasantly routine and no-big-deal to you. But to the deceased and the bereaved? It’s the biggest of deals.
Your ministry is precious. Thank you so much.
Artwork: Tobit Burying the Dead, painting by Andrea di Lione (1610-1685), via Wikimedia / Met Museum, public domain. You can read the autobiography behind the painting here.
My condolences on the death of your grandmother, Jen. May she be at peace, and may you, your family, and all who loved her be consoled during this time of grief.