Funeral homily

THOUGH HE IS DEAD, IT DOES NOT MEAN GOD HAS FORSAKEN US
First reading: Issiah: 49:11-16
Responsorial psalm: Ps: 27
Gospel: Mark 15:12, 22-26
Our people say that “Owuo atwede baako nforo” which translate literally as, the ladder of death is not climbed by only one person. We shall all pass on one day. Death is not a new reality though, yet we prefer not to talk about it. We only remember the existence of death when we lose someone. Death is evitable. We have gathered here today to bid a final farewell to our brother and father Mr. Moses Arthur.
In our first reading, we encounter the ever unconquerable love of God as he tells his people that it may seem that he is chastising or despising them but he will never forsake them or take away his love. That though his people have forsaken him and they are now in exile, he is still with them and will get them out at the right time.
Also in the gospel, we see also Jesus living our clearly this idea when out of pure sheer love for us, he gives up his life on the cross as an expiation for our sins so as to justify us.
Therefore as we see, the golden thread going through all these readings we have heard is the ardent love of God that makes him even vulnerable. Out of this love of God that makes him vulnerable he, from the beginning created us in his own image and then sent his son to redeem us when we sinned and fell short of his glory. Therefore we can be sure that this love of God is still covering us though we have lost such a great committed family man.
Take courage and believe that God has not forsaken us though we are in pain now. As you know, our life is like a story in a news paper and we are at the mercy of the writer so that when the story is gathering momentum, he puts there, “to be continued…” it is the same for the life of Mr. Arthur, when his life is reaching its momentum, the author of life has said we shall meet in the next edition.
Mr. Arthur was a gentleman and a man who cared so much about his family and other people and made sure that all the good things are made possible. I remember when I was visiting him at the hospital and after our chats; he always kept on stressing that there is even more than he intends to do and also he desire to join the community as soon as possible.
There is no need to worry Mr. Arthur, we will never forget you. We pray that God will have mercy on your soul and all the souls in purgatory and welcome you all in his kingdom.
He needs our prayers because is not yet over. My grandmother told me this when I was in philosophy two. She said the reason why babies cry when they are delivered is that, babies feel at peace in their mother’s womb. But now that they have come to this world, people will fight, insult and give them so many problems. And the reason why the dead person doesn’t cry is that, he feels that, now where he is going is a peaceful place and he will have no problem with anybody. But is this true? We can be at peace after death when we go to God. That is where will have no problem with anybody. So we pray that God will forgive him all his sins and receive him in his kingdom. Because if you o lord should mark our guilt Lord who will survive. (Ps 130:3)
Mrs. Arthur and the whole family just turn to God and look behind you. All these people here, who have come to mourn with you, will be with you for a while but God will always be with you. Since he knows the pains and how it feels to lose a loved one. “Man proposes but God dispose” The Lord has given the lord has taken, blessed be the name of the lord” (Job 2:10b). Take heart and know that the lord does not forsake us. The lord is with you.