Somehow, death does not bother me once I have the comfort that it is just a transition from one world to another. I have seen too many deaths happening every day in the ICU and I suppose that has seasoned me. When I was there, through the grind of it, I have learnt to detach feelings from the situation.
It is not to say that I no longer feel sad for the passing of the person. I still shed tears at funerals, even at those whom I casually know. The sadness is there. But the fear is not.
When I attended the few Christian funerals in church, I discovered that they accept it with some joy as well. Can I use the word ‘they’? Maybe. I have grown up being ‘out of the circle’ and death was a very hard journey in my previous faith. We had to accompany the deceased like they are still alive throughout the funeral wake. I used to ‘make’ breakfast/tea/lunch/dinner and even supper for my late mother-in-law during the five days funeral wake. Then, there is the basin of water to be placed under her coffin (for her to wash her face).
Now that I am in Christ, it is so totally different. They or rather Christians (which I am trying to remember that I am one) see it as a glorious return to our Lord. They sang hymns of praise and hymns that made me so comforted.
Each time at mass, when the priest pray for the deceased, I felt such joy that there is Christ, Heaven and God Himself for my deceased families. Never mind that some Christians say that only those who embrace Christ will get to Heaven. It is easy for them to say that if they do not have their beloved ones, like my son, my parents and my in-laws whom were long dead before they know Christ.
For me, I shall believe that all good folks go to some place better. I told my RCIA facilitators when they told us about purgatory. I told them that all kind folks and innocent people get there somehow, with God’s grace.
April 26th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
I agree. When I attend a recent Christian funeral of a friend’s mother, whom I know well too, although the sadness is there, I also felt a sense of comfort and relief in our belief that the deceased had left all worldly sufferings and have gone to a better place.
The hymns sang and the prayers said were all very soothing and nothing else, religion such as Christianity really helps to provide solace during trying times like this.
April 27th, 2008 at 10:35 pm
Yes, it is a transition from the physical to the spiritual. The soul leaves the body to go to heaven where there’s unending joy.