One of the saddest experiences of life is to attend a funeral. 

 

It is, of course, possible that the deceased lived a long and fruitful life, or that their passing was a blessed end to suffering. In such cases, we have all probably been present for a funeral that had an element of relief and even of celebration.

 

Still, the confrontation with the end of this earthly life inevitably brings sadness and reflection. 

 

Every funeral forces us to confront the question of what has happened to our loved one, our friend, this random individual? Have they passed from existence to extinction? Is there a future life that awaits? And is it related to our lives in this existence, to the manner in which we have chosen and lived?

 

In dwelling upon such questions about others we are inevitably drawn to the same thoughts about our own existence, the meaning of our life and about an eternal future that makes the duration of this life seem like the mere blink of an eye.

 

Here, then, is where faith helps our understanding. The meaning of the Son of God coming among us and dying for our sins now allows us to make sense of the present and the future.

 

Our faith teaches us that death is a consequence of the sin of Adam and Eve. At first, our human nature was not to be subject to dying. After original sin damaged our nature and our friendship with God, it is appointed that every person shall die.

 

Faith further reminds us that without the death of Jesus for our sins, our human nature was destined for eternal death. This is why the coming of Jesus, His suffering and death and His rising from the dead, are the foundations not only of faith but of reality. 

 

Only through the death of Jesus are we offered eternal life in glory with God.

 

But Christ told us also that a share in His glory is not automatic. We will stand before Him as He judges our lives and, as St. John of the Cross said, “our love.” 

 

The Catechism of the Catholic Church tells us as well, “The New Testament … repeatedly affirms that each will be rewarded immediately after death in accordance with his works and faith.” (1021). 

 

In essence, Jesus will ask us how we used our freedom in this life. The answer to that question will determine our eternity in heaven or in hell.

 

The Church’s faith gives us one last great consolation. We recognize that most of us will not die in perfect freedom from sin and imperfection. 

 

In His mercy, God allows us, except for mortal sin, to receive our final purification after death. This is our understanding of purgatory. 

 

It is our duty and privilege in this life to pray for the souls in purgatory. God allows those prayers to hasten that purification. And in praying for those souls, we hope that one day others will pray for us as well.

 

With this understanding, every funeral Mass takes on a great dignity and meaning for eternity. 

More than merely a sentimental memorial service, it is the offering of Christ’s sacrifice for the final forgiveness of the one who has died. 

 

When we attend a funeral Mass, we fulfill our great duty of praying for that person and we recall the great struggle of good and evil, sin and grace, that is the context of their life and ours.

 

The modern world shies away from discussions of sin, repentance and of the reality of hell. Our faith calls us to confront those basic realities. In doing so, especially at the funeral Mass, we are reminded of Jesus’ love which overcomes all things, especially the power of death.