Orphaned

John 14: 18-20 “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you."

My mother passed away recently. She had been very ill since having a heart attack in January and had three surgeries between January and June. She was scheduled for a fourth surgery but died suddenly from a fatal heart attack while waiting on this last surgery.

My mother was my last living parent. After she passed away I had the thought...."So, this is what being an orphan feels like." Now...I know at 40+ years old I am not exactly an "orphan." However, there is still that sense of lose... That sense of "being alone."

The Gospel of John tells how Jesus explains to His Disciples that after His Ascension they will not see him anymore. We all know that even though the Disciples didn't see Jesus anymore He was still with them. Jesus was still very much part of their lives.... I cannot help but think that in so many ways there are parallels between Jesus' Ascension and our parents leaving us.

In addition to my mother dying recently I also lost a good friend. He was one of the key founders of Trinity Church. I was very honored to preside at his funeral. As a clergyman funerals are very tough for me. I always feel like I’ve left a little part of myself behind when I preside at a funeral. It was difficult for me to participate in both the funeral of my friend and mother.

Let me assure you… It is not difficult for me to participate in funerals because I am usually concerned about the person who has passed away. It’s because of the bitter pain that the family and loved ones feel at their loss. The grief and loss that surrounds the situation is hard to bear. It is especially hard to bear when those closest to you are suffering.

I believe with all my heart that "Jesus built a bridge to Heaven using two pieces of wood and three nails." As Christians we are part of the Communion of Saints. Am I crushed emotionally about the death of my mother and friend? Of course...However, I know that my mother and friend can now celebrate because they are now in the presence of God. They and other saints also remain present with us at the liturgy. They have joined with the saints and all holy Christians who have gone before them. To be a Christian is to be part of the Communion of Saints… No earthly body required! As for my mom and friend… We are not separated, but remain connected in a very special way.