“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Matthew 5:4
As more and more years and decades pass me by, it seems that names I recognize in the obituaries of several newspapers I read, become a regular occurrence in my weekly routine. A co-worker from back in the day, mentioned to me that they had attended three Celebration of Life services a week ago. Sad to say, but mourning is taking on a different feeling. I rejoice as the memorial services are shown on the website of the funeral home, and are more of a celebration as another soul is meeting their Savior.
The attached photo is of a Hospital in PAP and this compound near Croix-de-Bouquet, not too far from the U.S. Embassy, has seen its share of suffering and mourning in the years since the earthquake in January 2010. Lives that came in through the gate were crushed and broken and were never the same. One hymn sung during Lent recently was played at a funeral that I viewed recently.
Stricken, smitten and afflicted brought to mind the condition of so many in Haiti who survived the quake, so many of us who are reaching an age where our final day seems to be drawing closer and also and more importantly the passion that our Savior endured for us. This hymn was first written around 1850 by Geistliche Volkslieder and was sung to the German tune “O Mein Jesu, Ich Muss Sterben.”
“Stricken, smitten, and afflicted, see him dying on the tree! This is Christ, by man rejected; here, my soul, your Savior see. He’s the long expected prophet, David’s son, yet David’s Lord. Proofs I see sufficient of it: He’s the true and faithful Word. Tell me, all who hear him groaning, was there ever grief like this? Friends through fear his cause disowning, foes insulting his distress; many hands were raised to wound him, none would intervene to save; but the deepest stroke that pierced him was the stroke that justice gave. “You who think of sin but lightly nor suppose the evil great, here may view its nature rightly, here its guilt may estimate. Mark the sacrifice appointed; see who bears the awful load; it’s the Word, the Lord’s Anointed, Son of Man and son of God. Here we have a firm foundation; here the refuge of the lost; Christ, the rock of our salvation, His the name of which we boast. Lamb of God, for sinners wounded, sacrifice to cancel guilt! None shall ever be confounded who on him their hope have built.”
Our lives go on, until that moment when we all will draw our last breath and are in the arms of our Savior. Thank you for sharing your time and talents with the children in Haiti who are bringing Jesus Christ to the lost still living in Haiti; still awaiting the news of Savior, the Lord’s anointed.
Heavenly Father, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.
May God be with you,
Jay