Comfort

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Today’s New Testament passage from the Daily Texts was bouncing around my mind earlier today. I was preparing to lead a committal service for a woman I had never met, from a family that does not belong to Grace. It’s the sort of thing pastors get asked to do, and I’m always happy to minister to people in this way. We were gathered around the grave under today’s beautiful sun, but the mood was, of course, one of sorrow and heartache.

These words from Paul are used in our funeral liturgy; they are, in fact, the first words spoken, albeit in different translation. We do not attempt to ignore our troubles or pretend they are not real. We address them with the hope of the God of compassion, the God who suffers with us in Christ so that we might be comforted.

The beautiful sky today was a sign of hope in the midst of sorrow, a reminder that even as we gather at the grave, the Son is already risen.

Be well, friends. You are loved.

God of mercy, comfort those who mourn and heal those who are afflicted. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Image: Grace, today.