The keeper left the house this morning and spent at least 1/2 of the day at a funeral for a very fine man who anointed all with the oil of gladness, as the homilist shared.
She came home and told me she had always been inspired by this man's life while he lived, but he seemed like he would live forever. But with his death, the reality sinks in. Here was someone, who as Proverbs says, could "laugh at the days to come", and laugh he did! and laugh, did everyone else. Someone who did not take himself seriously and yet lived out of a profound faith and trust in God.
The Church gathered in all of its integrity and diversity. All the saints! I understand the funeral was with a retired governor, a mayor, and a packed Cathedral, with all of God's holy people from near and far. There was Irish music, Gospel music, and singing music. There were stories that evoked laughter which became tears. It was a great reunion---lay folk, ordained, women religious. There was simplicity and integrity. There was bread and wine, presence and mystery, right and left, conservative, traditional, radical. There was a Republican reception---with wine!
The keeper was heard to say, "Oh, happy day! Oh Michael, we will miss you, but we must honor you with lives more like yours!"
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