It's appropriate that a book about pastoral theology should have at least one article on death. Why not conclude with it? Senkbeil starts off with observations and Scriptural quotations reminding us of the encouragement for Christians facing death. Death is not victorious. Christ is risen from the dead and has defeated death. So while a temporal life may be coming to a close in death, the eternal life is not harmed in any way.
During prolonged illness and at the time of death, the attendance of a pastor is helpful on many levels. The pastor brings consolation, comfort, and reminds us of the real presence of Christ, possibly even communing the sick or dying. And the person who is dying is often comforted by the presence, voice, and touch of family and friends, including the pastor.
Often today funerals are carried out in funeral chapels rather than in the local church. As a divine service, it is more appropriate to have the funeral in the church building. The pastor can help significantly with appropriate hymns, prayers, litanies, and the like. The personal reflections of family members are good, but they don't really belong in the funeral. The funeral is a sacred service, centered around Law and Gospel.
The funeral is not really complete until the body is buried appropriately. There is a respect and dignity appropriate to this person who has borne the image of God through life and has now entered into death. The actual burial is often very helpful to families as they grieve. They can look forward to the resurrection and the fact that the dead will be raised in the last day.
Some liturgical items may be helpful in case of a funeral. Senkbeil suggests that it is appropriate to light the paschal candle which is also lit between Easter adn Ascension as well as during baptisms. It is quite appropriate to light it and place it near the casket as a sign of the resurrection. The funeral pall may be used to cover the casket. Its ornamental crosses are signs of the true Sabbath rest saints have. The processional cross and torches or candles are an appropriate symbol of Christ's victory over death and his leading his people into eternity.
Senkbeil closes by observing that it is appropriate for Christians to grieve, but that we do not grieve in hopelessness over Christians who have died. We know that they have died in Christ and that he is victorious over death. While we are sad due to the earthly parting, we can rejoice in the life to come.
--
Dave Spotts
blogging at http://capnsaltyslongvoyage.blogspot.com and http://alex-kirk.blogspot.com
No comments:
Post a Comment