JEAN'S FUNERAL

" There is a blazing light in this world more powerful than the dark.

A Creating Spirit providing courage and strength to those in need.

Call into the silence and listen, feel, then see the

Wonder,Delight, and Splendor."

rv.mr.robert r. lackney, chaplain

Meditation: On the Way to the Altar
JEAN’S FUNERAL

The past 7 years one of my assignments as the parish chaplain included weekly communion services to the local residential center for the elderly.

You get to know the people especially when you have a “participation” type of gathering where opinions of the group are included to expand the message of the scriptures that set the tone of the homily.

On a Tuesday I received a call from the nurse that Jean , my most favorite a patient, had passed away and was to be buried within the hour.

I rushed to the church, put on my vestments, although totally unprepared but managed to join the procession as the Jean’s coffin floated down the center aisle in the midst of a packed church.

Has we processed to the foot of the sanctuary my pastor turned to me and with a searching eye asked:
“Did you say you knew Jean?” “Yes.” I replied.

“Well then ” said the priest as we bowed at the foot of the altar,

“You can do the homily.”

Oh!!! The stress was overwhelming! I burst into a cold sweat and tried to recall anything that Jean had said to me. Well, we made in through the services but my lesson was as taught in the Boy Scouts: "BE PREPARED!" Now became the chaplian's motto.

robert r. lackney, chaplain