Believing in Jesus’ resurrection is the core of Christian belief. It is the basis of our Christian faith. There would not be Gospel without the resurrection; would not be Christianity, the church, the priesthood, the sacraments without the resurrection. There would not be hope without the resurrection.
But we would not have resurrection without the death of Jesus Christ. We can’t get flowers, fruits and trees unless the seed is sown. The seed has to die in order to germinate a new plant. Therefore, St. Paul preached not only the resurrection but also the crucifixion of Christ.
We are the followers of Christ who is risen from the dead. St. Paul reminds us that the death is not the end of human being. It is the beginning of end. Preface for the dead in the Roman Missal tells us that the life of a faithful is not over. It is only changed. When the earthly dwelling is turn to dust, an eternal dwelling is made ready for them in heaven.
So the death is the doorway to the new life. Every person in this world has to go through it. Jesus, the son of God also did not escape from it. He accepted to die for you and me. He accepted death and given us the rewards of eternal life. Those who believe in Christ, God will also raise them up.
Our beloved mother believed in Christ. She was baptized in Christ. She nourished her body with the most holy body and blood of Christ every time when she participated in the Holy Eucharist. She was anointed by the most holy oils and was confirmed in the Holy Spirit. She received the sacrament of penance and reconciled with God and his people. She received Christ through these sacraments and gave Jesus to all of us through her love.
She was the most wonderful mother and grandmother, sister, friend to most of you. She chose to be a nurse, a profession that deals with sickness. She might have taken a great care of so many people. she reached out to you when you were in the most difficult situations. She stood by you. This is how she shared with you Jesus that she received in the sacraments. She toiled and worked especially for her children so that they could stand on their feet. Every mother when she dies, she carries with her all her pain, sorrow which are not shared with any but leaving behind the legacy of motherhood.
As we thank God for her life and for her calling in Christian life. Let us place in her in the hands of Our Blessed mother. She understands our pain and suffering. May she intercede for her. May Our Lord grand our mother eternal rest in his heavenly kingdom. May her soul rest in peace. Amen.
