Christ Episcopal Church
July 19, 2013
Helen Myers
I have heard a variety of people say over the past few days that Helen would not have wanted this service today. She wanted no fuss over her life. She wanted a simple funeral home service. Not only were these her written instructions, she had even paid for that service in advance 17 years ago to make sure we followed her instructions. However, some how I doubt that this is the first time any of you have done something your mother asked you not to do. So, here we are, in this church that meant so much to her, in part because this church meant so much to your father. We are here, her family gathered, our singing accompanied by glorious music, making a good bit of a fuss over the life of Helen Myers. And you know what? I do not think she minds in the least. She most certainly did not relish the idea of grand and glorious worship to celebrate her life on earth and send her off to her eternal life with God, that’s for sure. But Helen would be fine with this service if this celebration is meaningful to you and helps you deal with the loss of your mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend. Helen held each one of you dear, was enormously proud of each of you, and even toward the end, on good days, she loved looking at the photos you sent and telling stories about your adventures. She loved Thankmass, and your birthday visits, your phone calls and letters. She waited with great joy for each great-grandbaby. And she would be 100 percent in favor of anything that makes this day any easier for you. She loved you with the love that would put aside her own desires in favor of what would be helpful for you. And in Helen’s love for you, you know something of the love of God.
And so we gather today to celebrate her life. Jeff chose scripture readings for this day that so appropriately describe Helen’s spirit. To Jeff’s list I would like to add a couple of verses that will always make me think of Helen when I hear them. The first is from Luke’s gospel: "For to whom much has been given, much is expected." I will always think of Helen when I hear this verse because Helen quoted this to me on a regular basis. Helen was extraordinarily generous, not only with her love, but with her resources-from establishing a scholarship fund in memory of her husband, to gifts that made possible major projects at Christ Church to what I am sure were countless behind the scenes gestures of generosity. And her response when thanked for such a gift was always the same-a very matter of fact. "To whom much is given, much is expected." Helen knew her blessings were a gift, and she was only doing what she thought was appropriate of someone to whom much had been given.
The other verse is from Paul’s letter to the Philippians. "Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is admirable, whatever is lovely, think on these things." In Helen, we knew someone who not only thought, but acted on those things. In her gracious and loving way, she sought what was true, pure, and lovely, and by her example, she encouraged others to do the same.
And so, today, we gather to celebrate the loving, gracious, generous reflection of the image of God that was Helen Myers. But in the midst of our celebration, we are also here to grieve. For no matter how long and wonderful her 97 years were, or rough the last couple of years have been, no matter how hard it was to watch the last two weeks, no matter how relieved we are for Helen that she has been released from her suffering, we still grieve this loss. Helen was your mother, or grandmother, your whole life. As we send Helen off on her new journey, you also begin your new journey-a journey in which you take Helen’s love with you in your heart but in which you, and we, will miss her earthly presence. The scriptures well us that Jesus wept at the tomb of Lazarus, his friend. So we have no shame in shedding our own tears when our loved ones die. Treat yourselves with the kind of love Helen had for you as you walk this journey.
Lastly, and primarily, on this day we gather to proclaim the resurrection. In the reading from 2 Corinthians, we heard these words "We know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus, and will bring us with you into his presence." Some 97 years ago, Helen was joined with Christ in his death and resurrection through her baptism. Last Sunday, in her death, Helen was joined with Jesus in new life. Today is not really about Helen, after all. Today is about God’s action in Helen’s life, through out her whole life, the way God worked through her, the way God blessed her, the way the love of God shown through her, and the way God has now received her into eternal life. To stay focused on God’s action in Helen’s life is to stay focused on what is true, and noble, right, pure, admirable, and lovely. Helen would be pleased.
Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment