Good Friday
Readings:
Isaiah 52:13-53:12
Hebrews 4:14-16,5:7-9
John 18:1-19:42
Reflection:
I remember as a young priest, many, many years ago, of being asked to help out as a hospital chaplain while the regular chaplain took his holidays. I remember being overwhelmed by the sounds and sights of numerous tears, of cries and heartache. And of seeing my first dead body.
I remember asking one of the nurses, “How do people die?” She answered, “Mostly how they lived.”
It was a profound observation. Now, as a veteran priest, and dealing with people and their grief and loss on a regular basis, I have found it to be true.
Recently, in my new parish here in New Zealand, I took a call. “My wife is dying, and she wants to see a priest.”
I headed out to see the couple, who lived about 30kms out of town. It was a simple building; one they had built themselves thirty years ago. They had in the past tried various ventures with the land, nothing had succeeded, and so now they had a few sheep and cows. They had a beautiful and simple life.
And a stunning view. Looking over the valley, to the hills, we sat as the light changed so often, it was never the same view twice.
They were a delightful couple. There is something I love about country folk. They take life in its stride. They’ve seen good seasons and bad seasons, great harvests and poor harvests, flood and drought. There is a resilience that it is inspiring.
We chatted about life, and they both had a deep and profound faith. She said, “I can look out that window, the shadows on the hills change, sometimes I can’t see anything through the fog. But I see God everywhere, he is all around me.”
Her health problems had started about six months earlier, and she wanted the last rites. “Not now!!! I’m not ready for it yet, but I would like to receive them.” She didn’t want a funeral, “I’ve buried two husbands, and I want no more sadness.” She went on, “I’m afraid, but not terrified”. She had hosted a farewell party a week or so previously, where she had all her family and friends. “It was a great night”.
There was a beautiful and alive love between them, and a deep faith that had taken them through life, and which would continue to guide them.
How do people die? Mostly how they live.
How did Jesus die? Exactly how he lived.
Standing firm in adversity, giving love in the face of hate, being faithful in all of life’s unanswered questions.
Peter Gardiner is a Passionist Priest.