Reflection on Grief for the End of Seeing a Loved One in This Life


We hear, in The Book of Common Prayer (BCP 507), that funerals are an Easter liturgy because of the hope we have in the Resurrection. For us as Christians, death does not have the final word.

The Prayer Book, in the same location, also says that this does not mean that grief is unchristian. Grief is a sign of our love for one another. We are also reminded that Jesus to wept over the death of his loved one Lazarus.

My experience, personally as well as with others, is that we often grieve in large part because, while we know that we will see our deceased loved one once again in the Resurrected Life with Christ Jesus, we won't be able to have any more experiences with our loved one in this life. That is a justifiable reason to be sad, even though we do have hope in that sadness.

For this reason, it is so important to talk about our loved one and share stories about them with others, especially friends and family. Sharing stories reminds us of the times we did have with our deceased loved one and it makes that person present in our minds and in our hearts as we talk about him/her. This is why it is also important for us to listen to others talk about their deceased loved ones and become keepers of those stories as well.

We all grieve, and many of us grieve in different ways. Grieve in the way that is best for you and allow others around you to do the same. Again, remember that our grief is not unchristian, but even in the midst of that grief we do have hope in the Resurrection.