By Chinnappan Pelavendran
On behalf of St. John the Baptist parish and I, I want to extend our sympathy to the family, her husband Roger, and children Rachel, Alex, and Hannah. Also, I extend our sympathy to the friends of Lynda. She will be missed by many for a very long time. We are pleased that she no longer has to suffer. I had the privilege of Anointing Lynda before she died. When I asked how she was, she said she was well. She was very calm and eager to receive Jesus. She was at peace.
Lynda grew up in Alabama and moved to Cooks Valley in 1994. She and Roger have been members of St. John the Baptist Catholic church since they were married in 1995. Lynda worked on the farm, was a great cook, and enjoyed gardening, flowers, and canning. She was also a 9-1-1 dispatcher for a while. She enjoyed spending time with her family. Attending her kids’ sporting events was a happy time for her.
Our readings this morning give us great consolation. In our first reading, we were told the Lord will wipe away tears from every cheek. We know that everything we do makes sense only if it is leading us to peace in God. We know there are many distractions and temptations in life, all pretending to offer us peace and happiness, but none of them do because we know that we will find this peace and happiness only in God. When we find our peace in God, we become friends of God, when we live with God’s love in our hearts, then we have peace. That is why our first reading said the Lord will wipe away the tears from every cheek. When we hope in the Lord for salvation, how blessed we are.
There is a truth that is good for us to reflect on at the time of death. The truth is that:
Every human person is special.
Everyone is unique.
Nobody ever takes anybody else’s place.
It is very clear in the gospel reading that being blessed does not always mean being materially blessed. The beatitudes which Jesus offers us are a sign of contradiction to the world’s understanding of happiness and joy. How can one possibly find happiness in poverty, hunger, mourning, and persecution?
Poverty of spirit finds ample room and joy in possessing God as the greatest treasure possible. Hunger of the spirit seeks nourishment and strength in God’s word and Spirit. Sorrow and mourning over wasted life and sin leads to joyful freedom from the burden of guilt and spiritual oppression. God reveals to the humble of heart the true source of abundant life and happiness. Jesus promises his disciples that the joys of heaven will more than compensate for the troubles and hardships they can expect in this world.
We are gathered here today to remember Lynda and pray for her. Let us also pray for Roger and their children during this difficult time. Let us also pray that we also will find peace in God.
May her Soul Rest in Peace.
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