I attended a funeral mass this morning.

[Pendrench]

Mr. Tom (03/21/36 - 02/19/19) was one of father's best friends. They met as children and stayed friends for over 70+ years. In fact, Mr. Tom and his wife were my sister's godparents.

It struck me while I was in the church that a number of the people there were probably Christians, but as Mr. Tom touched so many people in his life, I imagine that a good number were also non-believers.

So there we all were...some comforted by the belief that Mr. Tom was now in heaven, and some comforted by their memories.

But all of us were there because Mr. Tom was a good man, whom we all loved.

As my parents are both in their 80s, I imagine that one day in the not so distant future, I will be at another funeral mass...and I also expect that there will be a good number of believers and non-believers in attendance, some comforted by their memories and some comforted by their faith...but joined together by a common love.

Not really sure if this meets the criteria for posting in this group (if not I apologize), but I just wanted to share this.

In any event, wishing all here well and peace.

Tim

[Brainstormy]

1. you expressed it perfectly.

these rituals are, as many have said, really for the living.

[MineralMan]

2. It fits just fine here.

We go to funerals that reflect the beliefs or philosophies of those who have died. It is a matter of our respect for their choices. If there are prayers and hymns, we follow along, because that was what the person we knew followed. In the end, funerals are all about the person who has died and our recognition of that person.

[guillaumeb]

3. Recommended.

A 70 year friendship is something to celebrate.

[sprinkleeninow]

4. And may peace be unto you also. 💙