The Mystery of Death and Christian Funerals - #2

Where do we go to find insight into the mystery of Christian death? We can go to the Gospel accounts of the death of Jesus. The passion stories in the Gospels were very carefully composed. They convey the purpose of Jesus' life and ministry. They portray the self-donation Jesus made for the sake of the world.

The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke indicate that Jesus did not seek death. He was handed over. He was led to a self-emptying death on the cross. He is not in control. The circumstances of his life, prophetic ministry, and religious orientation brought him into conflict with powers and principalities. The shadows of death stalked him. The hawkers of darkness pursued his light. The practitioners of backroom deals extinguished his life and darkness covered the earth.

In the Gospel of Mark Jesus died as a man broken by suffering. He seems to be God-forsaken and abandoned. "My God, my God, why have you abandoned me...." Though he seems to be totally alone, his trust in God abides all the way to the point of a brutal and horrifying death. The soldier recognized him as the royal Son of God. In the Gospel of Matthew Jesus died as a dignified man. He surrendered his life to his God. "Father, into your hands I commend my spirit." He embodied Jewish holiness, righteous living and holy wisdom. His death inaugurates a new era in history's engagement with God and he offers hope to Jews and Gentiles. In the Gospel of Luke Jesus died a royal prophet and an innocent martyr. His struggle with death was intense. In the garden his agony causes him to sweat blood. The good thief hanging on the cross next to him recognized his identity and received the compassion of God. "This day you will be with me in Paradise."

What can the Christian learn about death from the death of Jesus? First, each person learns to trust God. Even if one were broken, suffering and infirm, God forsakes no one. God abandons no one. Second, each person is not autonomous master on one's own life and destiny. Each one is a mediator who administers his life humbly in the name of God. In the end, each of us is called to surrender not unto nothingness but into the embrace of the God who loves us. Third, the God who is beyond the horizons of history is a dear and darling God who holds out a handclasp of hope. Divine compassion casts out fear. God passionately yearns for intimacy with us as we make the passage to the other bright shore. In short, the Gospels of Mark, Matthew, and Luke tutor us in trust, surrender, hope, compassion, and intimate love. The God we worship in the weekly meeting, the God we mingle with in the water bath, the God we enjoy at the table, the God we recognize in foot-washing is a God of mercy, compassion and intimate love. Divine mercy and compassion were once made manifest in Jesus Christ. They are again made manifest in our dying and death. God cradles us into eternity. God carries us home. When we surrender in death, God remains faithful to the pattern of generous self-bestowal that has characterized our whole connection with God. Death need not terrify us. When we pray for a peaceful and happy death, we pray as Jesus did. "Father, into your hands, I commend my spirit." Amen, let it be so, amen!