Saying goodbye - May 18

Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 72; PM Psalm 119:73-96, Lev. 19:1-18; 1 Thess. 5:12-28; Matt. 6:19-24

Saying goodbye. How do you do it? Is it a quick hug and “See you later!”? Or is it a three-hour process of visiting, giving parting words, taking a picture together, and then falling back into seven more stories of shared times and fond memories?

Sam and I took a long weekend and went to a friend’s wedding in California. As it was a destination event, there were pre-pre-wedding gatherings, pre-wedding gatherings, a golf outing, a hike, a pool party…and all that before the wedding itself! Those times for meeting new people and catching up with old friends created this web of relationship and care. Before we knew it, Sunday arrived and it was time to say goodbye. Those words of safe travel and faring well with God’s blessing. We do not know when we will all meet again – and it is unlikely to compare with the grandeur of the wedding setting. Nevertheless, this morning I am filled with the fondness and feeling that swirled in those hugs and hopefulness for all that is ahead.

As such, the closing words of the first letter to the people of Thessalonica presented in our lectionary today hit me with a different emotional tone. What are the last words left with those people? The messages reiterated include treating others with respect, being at peace and harmony, working hard, praying constantly, and giving thanks at all times. And then this: do not quench the Spirit. Oh wow – what openness and mystery lay behind these words! While the reminders to the Thessalonians are about how to conduct themselves with one another and in life, the letter from Paul reminds them to be light enough to be moved by the Holy Spirit…to be inspired by the hopefulness that comes with that Blessed Wind.

I leave you with a blessing that wraps up the message: “May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept whole, healthy, and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

-- Katherine+

Questions for Reflection

Think about saying goodbye. What words of farewell do you use? When do you look forward to saying goodbye? What partings do you dread? How do you help others around you say goodbye?

Daily Challenge

There are some departures we can plan for, and others are a surprise. Have you planned for end of life details? How would you like for the church and your loved ones to celebrate and say goodbye? Look at the funeral resources at Saint Stephen's or reach out to one of the clergy to begin this conversation.