Funeral

SUN., JULY 1, 1984, 6:59 AM
FARM, STUDY

Today is a funeral day. The service shall be for one you only met once, though you have related well (even if briefly) with his family. It is important that you go, for some reasons educational and others that shall be apparent in the process. The funeral is concerned with death, and I should have you understand that earth phenomenon better, so hear My Teaching on this Christian Sabbath morn.

Most fundamentally, the funeral is a remembrance of the life lived, of My life lived, and some use of Scripture and music to affirm that the dead one still lives. Going beyond this it can be a celebration of the earth life lived, and a strong affirmation of the knowledge that life does continue. From My view this “going beyond” should always be the format, I realize that this would be too much for some family members. Be aware of My servant Don’s selection of course this afternoon.

I have given you this basic story before, but I shall now apply it to the funeral. The spirits of some who die are as inert as the bodies that lie dressed in the coffins. Such have been unprepared for death, which means that they did not live life fully. Some have believed rather forcefully that there is no after-life, and this belief is translated into a sleep, which is taking place as the funeral occurs. Such are “dead”, and what is said is of no consequence to them.

Others, who have some latent or hopeful idea of life after death (most Christians, including some who had early Christian education), are more or less present at the funeral. They are in a partial state of consciousness, and have more or less awareness of this last public acknowledgment of their lives. And toward what state do they tend?

Toward those who have a knowledge of the continuation of life and an appreciation of the earth life, whatever its length or its conditions, which includes special feelings of love for those gathered in memory. Such ones are at the visitation and are the first ones at the funeral. They are conscious of all that is said, even much of what is thought (this depends on the degree of spiritual maturity), and of the actions and demeanor of those present. Those who are spiritually akamai (I haven’t used that word for awhile) can discern the extent to which grieving is truly for them and a feeling sorry for self. Some, who have not been ready to move on, are saddened by this ceremony and feel longings to remain in earth life. A few actually “hang around” overlong, very distraught with the transition process.

Most, however, do just about what most of the funeral attendees do… get on with life. They enjoy this last celebration, but they are ready to move on to the next learning task or opportunity.