June 14, 2005
Death
We have to depend on Jesus’ “been there and done that” and Paul’s vivid imagination to know anything about what pertains on the other side of death. That’s not an altogether bad thing, for they’re outstanding references, we’re fortunate to have such access, and besides, too much knowledge…
In between time, the best way I’ve found to stay in touch is by prayer. I’ve a long list of dead folks I pray about. I don’t know so much that I pray for them as if I need to or they (or God!) need to have me call them to God’s attention. Maybe so. But it makes more sense to me to realize that praying about them is also praying about me and reminds me of how in our way, they are such an important part of my life then, here, and now.
There’s the family I knew and never got to know — among the many of whom is my beloved son and his mother. There’re the mentors, their patience, their wisdom they left for me and with me. There’re the friends through thick and thin. There’re the great writers and musicians. There’re the teachers and preachers. There’re the national and international good guys and bad guys, some who inspire, some who anger (and, I suppose, that’s a kind of inspiration it in itself).
Some religionists and anti-religionists, as well, don’t believe in prayers for the dead. I’d like to know why and what they think such prayer is about. Some other apparently very devout souls baptize the dead, and without their brilliant genealogies, we’d be at so much of a loss knowing and loving our heritage. I learn from them.
Maybe that’s what all prayer, centric or eccentric, is about. Connecting. Learning.