[Originally published on Facebook, 14 September 2024]

I should not be writing this post. No one should. But when I read the news of Karl’s passing, it hit harder than I expected. Life had taken us on different paths many years ago, but memories came back of a school mate, and a fellow scout. If it hit me harder than I expected, I cannot dare to imagine what those who have remained close (and his family of course) must be going through.

So many questions, many of which, I know will remain unanswered. Why? Why him? He had so much to life for, so much service to give.

Sadly, I cannot be at his funeral. To do my duty and commend him to God, honour his memory, and be close to his family and friends. As you may expect, he’s been in my prayers and mass intentions throughout this week. Commending him to the good Lord (though I have no doubt of the Lord’s love and embrace!), and praying for the consolation of his family. I am only doing my duty as a priest.

I did what I could, for old times sake. Having the privilege of being in Jerusalem, this morning I offered Mass for him at the Holy Tomb. In the Paschal mystery, between Calvary and the Holy Tomb, is where our faith can dare be stripped off its pomp and circumstance, and beyond the smells and bells, we can dare to stare into the abyss, with the silence of Holy Saturday. Where the first sign of the Resurrection is not visions or wonders, but an empty Tomb and abandoned grave clothes.

And, as a good scout learns to read the signs of an abandoned camp from the warm embers of a campfire, and recognize the passing of an animal from its traces, so too the Empty Tomb, as we learn to read its signs, becomes the surest sign of hope that death does not have the last word.

Saints of God, come to his aid.
Hasten to meet him angels of the Lord
Receive his soul and present him to God the Most High
May Christ who called you take you to himself;
may angels lead you to the bosom of Abraham
Receive his soul and present him to God the Most High

Eternal rest grant unto him o Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon him.
Receive his soul and present him to God the Most High