10 Trinity Sq
Toronto, ON
M5G 1B1
416-598-4521
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Wed. 12:15 pm
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reflections and sermons posted here are the work of individual members of Holy Trinity. Opinions expressed are those of the writer or preacher and do not necessarily reflect an official or even popular opinion within the parish.
Death to Life
SARA BOYLES
FTI
for April 16, 2006
The last few weeks I have been a bit of a “midwife” as a friend of Holy Trinity’s hovers between this world and the next. She likes to hear songs of faith and stories about other people I have sat with as death approaches. She likes therapeutic touch for her “brain pain” and someone by her bed. She helps deepen my understanding of resurrection and everlasting life.
She has allowed me to see the capacity of the human body to hang on against all odds, the eventual need to give in to one’s body as it loses capacity to function and the fight it can be to achieve stillness of mind since her brain turns over thoughts and ideas faster than blender blades can spin. When I am with her I think of old gospel songs and how profound such music can be. I even sing! I think of stories and people I know who have been in places similar to hers. There is Jacob, the father of Joseph who felt he had outlived his time. He began to ask how long. I think of Gail’s mother and my mother who lived longer than they wished. Jenn’s mom who died sooner than she wanted. What an act of faith to live into that place where one is tired and worn and simply give oneself to waiting. I saw that beautifully in my dear friend Sadie who passed away this winter.
Each time I have this honour of being part of a watch I become more deeply convinced of resurrection and the continuous nature of life. People paused between this life and their new one, can have visions. They see people coming to meet them, encouraging them on. Some talk about the ease of passing, others the struggle. It is like watching birth from another perspective.
Easter, the time of resurrection draws us all into the much greater story of our relationship to that which is seen and unseen. The cross, so naked and stark, on Easter Day is ritually brought to life. We participate in bringing new life, new roots, fresh hope. The cross becomes vibrant, a strong container for our tears and pain. With the lead of our dark places and the promise of transformation we lean into the unknown. Our beings resonate with the natural world as it sings a strong alleluia in the midst of its own cycles and pain. What a joy to be a follower of Jesus.
May we find the strength to continue bringing that light to the world.
Alleluia!
Sara November 30, 1999 |
