When a bunch of ministers get together, it is seldom very long before funeral stories are being exchanged. Some of the most bizarre incidents happen at funerals, and some of our most profound pastoral encounters happen then too. I am reminded of the words of Kahlil Gibran:
Your joy is your sorrow unmasked and the selfsame well from which your laughter rises was oftentimes filled with your tears.
In today's society it is an even bigger deal than it has ever been to be invited to travel alongside folk and accompany them in rites of passage, an invitation that we never take for granted and that, even in the most unconventional settings, we attempt to infuse with dignity and with respect, sharing the love of God with all God's people as we were commissioned so to do by the Risen Christ.
So very true. Privilege is the only word I have for the experience. Sadly or fortunately, the most bizarre funeral experiences I've had have been with my own family members. Maybe it's just that my eyes see the people the closest the best.
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