During the course of being a “church musician”, I’ve played many a funeral Mass and listened to many a eulogy. Eulogies these days seem to have gone to the way of stand up comedy and the use of inappropriate language has become the norm unfortunately. Some of them preface their language by saying “I know this probably isn’t appropriate…BUT…” and then drop the bomb on the congregation. Yesterday, I had the privilege of playing at the funeral for a man I did not know personally, but I do know his son Sean and his daughter-in-law Tina. Tina has become one of my wife’s closest friends at St. Mary Magdalen and Sean played a crucial role in getting my son Jerome his first “professional” job after graduating college (to which we owe him many thanks for doing so). Seeing that my first job is not an organist, I had to get back to my primary job so I wasn’t able to stay for eulogy that Sean did for his father. But thanks to the wonder of social media, it was recorded on Instagram and I was able to listen to it this morning. I am going to post it for two reasons. First and foremost, it pays tribute to a beautiful man of faith and devotion and all who hear can this offer a prayer for his soul. Second, it is a great, great example of how all eulogies should be given – with respect to not only the deceased, but to the people there to mourn his death and remember how graciously the deceased lived their life. Here is that eulogy from yesterday morning…
I apologize for the Spanish translation…for some reason my computer defaults to that. If it’s any consequence, I’m slowly learning the Spanish language.
My thoughts continue again today with the unrest we are experiencing in America. I will continue with posting the readings listed today because I believe when time is taken to hear the message given by these readings, we can all begin to convert to the will of God and His purpose for all of us here on earth…to love all of His people without prejudice or conviction. Please take the time to not only read, but reflect and pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit this morning…
Reading 1 2 TM 4:1-8
I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus,
who will judge the living and the dead,
and by his appearing and his kingly power:
proclaim the word;
be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient;
convince, reprimand, encourage through all patience and teaching.
For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine
but, following their own desires and insatiable curiosity,
will accumulate teachers and will stop listening to the truth
and will be diverted to myths.
But you, be self-possessed in all circumstances;
put up with hardship;
perform the work of an evangelist;
fulfill your ministry.
For I am already being poured out like a libation,
and the time of my departure is at hand.
I have competed well;
I have finished the race; I have kept the faith.
From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me,
which the Lord, the just judge,
will award to me on that day, and not only to me,
but to all who have longed for his appearance.
Responsorial Psalm PS 71:8-9, 14-15AB, 16-17, 22
My mouth shall be filled with your praise,
with your glory day by day.
Cast me not off in my old age;
as my strength fails, forsake me not.
R. I will sing of your salvation.
But I will always hope
and praise you ever more and more.
My mouth shall declare your justice,
day by day your salvation.
R. I will sing of your salvation.
I will treat of the mighty works of the Lord;
O God, I will tell of your singular justice.
O God, you have taught me from my youth,
and till the present I proclaim your wondrous deeds.
R. I will sing of your salvation.
So will I give you thanks with music on the lyre,
for your faithfulness, O my God!
I will sing your praises with the harp,
O Holy One of Israel!
R. I will sing of your salvation.
Alleluia MT 5:3
Blessed are the poor in spirit;
for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel MK 12:38-44
In the course of his teaching Jesus said,
“Beware of the scribes, who like to go around in long robes
and accept greetings in the marketplaces,
seats of honor in synagogues,
and places of honor at banquets.
They devour the houses of widows and, as a pretext,
recite lengthy prayers.
They will receive a very severe condemnation.”
He sat down opposite the treasury
and observed how the crowd put money into the treasury.
Many rich people put in large sums.
A poor widow also came and put in two small coins worth a few cents.
Calling his disciples to himself, he said to them,
“Amen, I say to you, this poor widow put in more
than all the other contributors to the treasury.
For they have all contributed from their surplus wealth,
but she, from her poverty, has contributed all she had,
her whole livelihood.”
Do something great for our Lord today – stay true to His message for all of us. be self-possessed in all circumstances; put up with hardship; perform the work of an evangelist; fulfill your ministry. Be charitable to His people…A poor widow also came and put in two small coins worth a few cents. No matter how small you think your contribution may be, it may be just enough to change the world. Don’t be afraid to change the world.
God’s will, not mine, be done.
Be not afraid; just have faith.
Jesus, I trust in You.
He must increase; I must decrease.
Lord, if You wish, You can make me clean.
But you man of God chose righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience and gentleness. Compete well for the faith.
Eternal God, in Whom mercy is endless and the treasury of compassion – inexhaustible, look kindly upon us and increase Your mercy in us so that in difficult moments we may not despair nor become despondent but with great confidence, submit ourselves to Your holy will which is Love and Mercy itself.
St. Mary Magdalen Men of God 