In a conversation about funerals, Father Gerald told us a little story that beautifully illustrates the body of Christ on earth, the church militant.
He had a young couple in his parish who lost their baby rather late in the pregnancy. They wanted a funeral Mass. They knew no one and had no family, they were brand new to the area. The couple said it was fine that it would just be them alone for the Mass.
Father called a homeschool family to ask them if they would attend.
The bereaved young parents came into the church with the tiny box they were using for a coffin. They knelt in the front pew cradling the tiny coffin, waiting for Father to start Mass. Slowly behind them the church was filling up as family after homeschool family came to support the young couple none of them knew, in their loss. Before the Mass began Father quietly said to them "Turn around and see the love of your brothers and sisters and Christ." The church was nearly full.
Truly beautiful!!!
Posted by: Heather - Doodle Acres | October 22, 2010 at 03:13 PM
Crying, Praise be to God!
This story made me think of my sons funeral. Even though we knew all the people there, it is still a very profound feeling to see the church over filled for your child's funeral. God bless those families for what they gave that couple. I know what it meant to them.
Posted by: Mommy of 16 | October 22, 2010 at 04:08 PM
That is beautiful. You really needed a tissue alert for this post.
Posted by: KC | October 22, 2010 at 07:54 PM