Saying Farewell

The Bible contains many “farewell discourses.”  These are speeches uttered by people before their deaths.  Moses leads the people to the Promised Land.  When it comes into view, he tells the people he is going to die and doesn’t actually get there himself.

Jacob speaks a sad farewell discourse to his sons.  Joshua speaks a farewell discourse to Israel.  St Paul speaks a very moving farewell discourse to the people of Ephesus, at which the people cry, knowing they would never see him again.

One of the most dramatic farewells in the Bible is the one made by Adam and Eve although it is God who speaks on this occasion about their banishment, even leaving angels on guard to prevent their return.

Recently we have had the sad farewell of Pope Francis and many words have been spoken about him in tribute and his last speeches can now be read as farewell discourses.  On a parish level, we have just celebrated the Requiem Mass of Marjorie Fisher, one of our oldest (same age as Pope Francis) and most longstanding parishioners.

All this would be far more sad if we did not have the hope of eternal life as portrayed in the second reading from the Book of Revelation.  “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more…”  And finally, Jesus in his own farewell discourse gives us the great commandment to love one another.  

God bless, Fr Kevin.