The funeral of Fr. Graham
It was the funeral of a priestly colleague who died from death at his own hands. The homily was particularly outstanding, in fact it was so good, that I wanted to offer it as it is the best I can do for you. Most of us have been confronted by a death like this.
The preacher began by telling it as it was and pointing out the blitheringly obvious. There are two normal, healthy, understandable questions that we ask about suicide.
Why?
and
What else could I have done?
These are good questions to ask and there might be something wrong if we didn’t ask them.
He then went on
We gather …
To pray for Fr. Graham
To shake our fist at him
To tell him that we love him.
The preacher also used a sublime poem written by Fr. John Henry Newman, pointing out that it applies not just to Fr. Graham but also for us as we trudge on, wrestling with what has happened.
Lead, Kindly Light, amid the encircling gloom,
Lead Thou me on;
The night is dark, and I am far from home,
Lead Thou me on.
Keep Thou my feet; I do not ask to see
the distant scene; one step enough for me.
I was not ever thus, nor prayed that
Thou shouldst lead me on;
I loved to choose and see my path, but now
Lead Thou me on.
I loved the garish day, and spite of fears,
pride ruled my will; remember not past years.
So long Thy power hath blessed me, sure it still
Will lead me on.
O'er moor and fen, o'er crag and torrent, till
The night is gone;
And with the morn those angel faces smile,
Which I have loved long since, and lost awhile