I had the privilege of attending a funeral wake today.
Our monsoonal Mumbai cleared up for a bit and we actually had some rays of sun. The cool leafy green of the trees in the small compound framed the scene - a ground floor of the appartment where Uncle had lived his last days - now a meeting point to thank God for his life.
The group was singing Hindi songs - Sione Desh, Hamare He Desh (Zion country, its our Country...)
The coffin was open. Uncle's body was there - the family was around it - his quietly greiving wife, Varkey his son, Nancy his daugther in law, one grand child sat for some time - the other was playing outside.
We also realise how absolutely wrong death is. Stanley talked about this. His words were light - his bearing dignified but not stooped. His hope was clear. God's words spoke through Stan.
Uncle is no more - we do not pray for his soul - we know that Jesus is delighted with him. While we know the family feels his loss - it is death that is the real enemy. And Jesus has stretched out his hands wide enough to swallow death and all its horrors - and so we do not grieve like those without hope.
We cry. And I did. But with the real knowledge that God is here. And that death has been defeated - if we trust Jesus.
He is our champion.
Both as the victor and conquerer - and as our advocate and guide.
See you soon Uncle!
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