The opening day of Lent is eerily called “Ash Wednesday.” Ashes, of course, symbolize repentance, so appropriate these forty days, and death, since, as the priest whispers over us as he imposes ashes, we will indeed return to dust.
So, death is an appropriate Lenten theme. After all, we are preparing for a solemn memorial of the death of Jesus on the cross on Good Friday, and we are called to “put to death” sin and selfishness in our own lives these forty days.
Of course, for us as believers, this is hardly morbid, but life-giving, as we will conclude Lent with the celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus at Easter, and bask in His invitation to us for a share in His new life.
The funeral of Pope Benedict XVI almost two months ago is still vivid in my mind.
Pope Francis gave a moving homily, for which he was unfairly criticized. Why? Some complained that he did not speak at length about the long life and towering accomplishments of Pope-emeritus Benedict.
Such laments are unjustified. For one, Pope Benedict wanted no eulogy.
But, more importantly, as both Benedict and Francis know, a funeral Mass is not about the deceased, as much as we mourn him or her.
No, a funeral Mass is about the life, death, and Resurrection of Jesus! He must be the central figure, always!
So, as I celebrate a lot of funerals, I notice they are frequently called “a Celebration of the Life of . . .” whomever we have come to bury.
To be sure, to express gratitude for the life of the one we mourn is most laudable and understanding. But, we are really assembled at Mass to celebrate the life of the One who called Himself, “The Way, The Truth, and The Life.”†Timothy Michael Cardinal Dolan
Archbishop of New York