Something missing from Michael Jackson's service

Saturday, July 11, 2009

When my father-in-law died seven years ago in northwestern Pennsylvania, it was my privilege to have a share in his funeral. Funerals, at least in the Christian tradition, are worship services. In other words, the purpose is to give praise and thanks to God for the life of the just-deceased individual. The focus, to put a fine point on it, is supposed to be on God. Our Catholic friends take this emphasis a step further by celebrating communion. (This further focuses the bereaved on God's saving work in Jesus Christ.) We honored Dad in the service but were careful to say that our ultimate purpose was to be grateful to God for his years among us.

To continue reading
For more than 115 years, the Southeast Missourian has written the first draft of local history. We have aspired to enrich, entertain, educate and inform. Our core values have remained firm: truth, service, quality, integrity and community. Support our mission.