Easter and Grief

We’re now well through the season of Lent and about to enter into Holy Week. Soon it will be Easter; the highpoint of the Christian calendar. The anguish of a lonely death on the cross giving way to the all-surpassing joy of resurrection and new life. The despair of Good Friday so quickly transformed into the triumph of Easter Day.

For those trying somehow to come to terms with the loss of a dear loved one, there can be no such swift transformation. We cannot simply switch from deep sorrow and sadness one day to unbridled happiness the next. Nor should we attempt so to do.

That is why the funeral day is so important. Planned and arranged with particular thought and care, it is a time to share memories; to reminisce over times past. Offering mutual comfort and reassurance; a smile - no doubt tear-stained - that says: “We’re all here for each other, in whatever ways we can be. We’ll get through this together.”

In the coming days, talking will help: sharing more of the many lovely stories we have of our dear one. Thinking: “What would they say about this - what would they have thought?”

Grief does take so much time. We must never try to hurry it or minimise its impact on our lives and families.

At the same time, we can be confident that Jesus did indeed rise from the dead. On the first Easter Day it was boldly demonstrated that death has been conquered. Despite all appearances to the contrary, death cannot have the last word.

A note of celebration is therefore appropriate - even in the setting of the funeral. The Christian can confidently believe that their loved one, having trusted in Christ, is happier and more alive than ever. They have arrived safely in the presence of the Lord: royally welcomed to their new home.

For those of us who remain, the grief journey is still long and tough. Yet one day, we too will be greeted by a loving and faithful God, the one who raised Jesus to life that first Easter Day; and by those who like our already-departed loved ones, have gone ahead of us..