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Religion

2005-09-01 11:27:00

“We can all be certain they are in a better place.” How do we know?

: I recently attended my nephew's funeral.  He had been killed in a car accident.  He was only 27.  The minister who gave the eulogy said three different times, "We can all be certain that Tommy's in a better place."  I am sure he said this to help console the family, but isn't there another way?  Why do members of the clergy say this at funerals so often when there is no way to know where Tommy's soul is... for sure?

ANSWER:  You have asked a good question, relevant to many modern funerals. You are correct that "there is no way to know where Tommy's soul is for sure," i.e. unless he will be declared a saint by the Church.   The clergyman has no authority from the Church to anticipate a canonization, which can happen only after a thorough study has been made of the deceased person's life and writings and deeds, and it is recognized that the deceased practiced all the virtues in a heroic degree.   Further, this study must be supported by at least two miracles from Heaven, to indicate God's approval that this person is in Heaven, and worthy to be imitated on earth. Such a process of study and miracles normally requires many years, even decades or centuries.   Accordingly, the clergyman at Tommy's funeral was out-of-order, even if he thought he was helping "console the family." Even if Tommy lived a holy life, it would not be prudent for the clergyman to proclaim that he is "in a better place," because he doesn't know whether that is true or not.   And, if Tommy's life was lacking in virtue, i.e. if Tommy might have died in the state of serious sin, it would be an outright lie for the clergyman to proclaim that he is "in a better place." The family of the deceased generally knows the situation of their deceased in regard to virtue and sin; and they are not consoled by lies or exaggeration.   In her ritual book for funerals, the Catholic Church directs the minister to be very careful to not anticipate the judgment of God and of the Church regarding the final destiny of the deceased.  The minister is directed to speak on the lessons of the Bible read at the funeral service, or to encourage some particular virtue(s) exemplified in the life of the deceased.  Sometimes, in view of those attending the funeral, the clergyman might take the occasion to speak general truths about the certainty of death, judgment, Heaven and hell, topics which most people avoid and seldom consider. The clergyman might also speak about God's infinite love and mercy, His goodness and understanding of human nature. But the minister ought to avoid any kind of judgment regarding the final destination of the soul of the deceased.I remember that the deaths and funerals of Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta and Princess Diana of Wales occurred in the same week.   Journalists and preachers generally associated the two women, who were personal friends, as being united in Heaven. I hope this is so!  But, actually, the death of each woman was as different as possible. After a lengthy preparation for a happy death, Mother Teresa died peacefully surrounded by her Sisters and the prayers of the Church and of the thousands of poor persons she had helped.   Princess Diana met a sudden and unfortunate death when she was living and riding with her fiancé, in a situation of apparent adultery.  Adultery is a serious sin against God's commandment: "Thou shalt not commit adultery!" If not repented, this sin excludes a person from the kingdom of Heaven (cf. 1 Cor 6:9-10). I hope that Diana's last conscious thoughts were an act of sorrow for her sins and of love for God.