From My Sister in Nottingham:
i've just watched a 3-hour funeral ceremony of the late Pope over a live telecast in BBC this morning in Nottingham. it was a massive event, bored by the rituals but greatly moved by the impact this man has brought to the world.
the coffin was surprisingly, very simple, no embroideries or gold platted edges - even any coffin in a chinese funeral around our neighbourhood would appear more elegant and presentable than the one which millions were witnessing around the world today. but that simply conveys a strong message that the true worth of a life is not marked by the external, but the inner beauty which expresses through virtue,love and
faith.
Somehow, the event drew me to the book i read entitled 'tuesdays with morrie' by Mitch Albom, abt a dying professor named Morrie whose final project - upon receiving news abt his terminal illness .. was to 'research' on the journey to death and to give lessons on meaning of life too. every tuesday, he would meet one of his ex-students who was privileged to undergo lessons with him about embracing life and death. in spite of his frailing body, he seeks to contribute and to serve in every possible way by encouraging his friends to continue sharing their problems with him, as he was a good listener.
his illness soon led him weaker and weaker, couldnt dress himself up or going to the toilet, losing more and more of his privacy but not his dignity. just before his death, he attended one of his good friend's funeral, and he then thought of having a 'living epilogue' where he gathered all his close friends and whoever who knew him for a session whereby they would come up and say things they really wanna say abt him.
they laughed and cried together. the book is truly a gift to the human soul, with the way he approached death in a courageous way, embracing it with dignity and hope.
but most of the time, we tend to avoid death, we dont wanna face it, we dont even wanna talk abt it; we see it as our greatest enemy. and many times, the dead left us without knowing how much he/she has been loved and appreciated; or even forgiven. this is such a real phenomenon across the human race, regardless of whether we call ourselves the redeemed or not.
while i was watching the greatest funeral in history, i couldnt help but to remember my holiday trip to Rome just last Monday where I left my footprints at the St Peter's square and the Basillica.. I also had the opportunity to join the massive crowd to wait in line for the opportunity to access the dome and take a grand view of rome from the top of the magnificent architecture. but at that time, i dont think anyone really had the slightest thought about Pope JP2 then, the tourists were taking photos with the sculptures and building - no one really looked up to the window where the dying pope was lying then..
well, i didnt..
but i definately would have done more than that if i knew today would be a history. that's us, we often learn to cherish only when it's slightly too late. How I wished Pope JP2 had a living epilogue as Morrie did.
i've just watched a 3-hour funeral ceremony of the late Pope over a live telecast in BBC this morning in Nottingham. it was a massive event, bored by the rituals but greatly moved by the impact this man has brought to the world.
the coffin was surprisingly, very simple, no embroideries or gold platted edges - even any coffin in a chinese funeral around our neighbourhood would appear more elegant and presentable than the one which millions were witnessing around the world today. but that simply conveys a strong message that the true worth of a life is not marked by the external, but the inner beauty which expresses through virtue,love and
faith.
Somehow, the event drew me to the book i read entitled 'tuesdays with morrie' by Mitch Albom, abt a dying professor named Morrie whose final project - upon receiving news abt his terminal illness .. was to 'research' on the journey to death and to give lessons on meaning of life too. every tuesday, he would meet one of his ex-students who was privileged to undergo lessons with him about embracing life and death. in spite of his frailing body, he seeks to contribute and to serve in every possible way by encouraging his friends to continue sharing their problems with him, as he was a good listener.
his illness soon led him weaker and weaker, couldnt dress himself up or going to the toilet, losing more and more of his privacy but not his dignity. just before his death, he attended one of his good friend's funeral, and he then thought of having a 'living epilogue' where he gathered all his close friends and whoever who knew him for a session whereby they would come up and say things they really wanna say abt him.
they laughed and cried together. the book is truly a gift to the human soul, with the way he approached death in a courageous way, embracing it with dignity and hope.
but most of the time, we tend to avoid death, we dont wanna face it, we dont even wanna talk abt it; we see it as our greatest enemy. and many times, the dead left us without knowing how much he/she has been loved and appreciated; or even forgiven. this is such a real phenomenon across the human race, regardless of whether we call ourselves the redeemed or not.
while i was watching the greatest funeral in history, i couldnt help but to remember my holiday trip to Rome just last Monday where I left my footprints at the St Peter's square and the Basillica.. I also had the opportunity to join the massive crowd to wait in line for the opportunity to access the dome and take a grand view of rome from the top of the magnificent architecture. but at that time, i dont think anyone really had the slightest thought about Pope JP2 then, the tourists were taking photos with the sculptures and building - no one really looked up to the window where the dying pope was lying then..
well, i didnt..
but i definately would have done more than that if i knew today would be a history. that's us, we often learn to cherish only when it's slightly too late. How I wished Pope JP2 had a living epilogue as Morrie did.
Comments
I'm glad I was able to find you in the Net. I'm sorry that I haven't replied to your email sooner since I'm preparing few documents.
I did try to reply but the website is blocked already.
Sorry that Elder Yong feels that adamantly about my posting.
I'm so glad that at least you can see the goodness of our late Pope. After all, that discussion prompts my interest in the first place.
Actually I'm studying Rev. Tong's commentary on Passion of the Christ, and now I found no much problems in his commentary.
Peace of Christ be with you.
PS: My email address is valid, if you still remember your question about Assumption and Immaculate Conception.
Btw, excellent Blogs.
I tried to send in a post, expressing my sympathy for James who defended your right to voice your views. But seems like even I can't post right now, heheh!
It's a sad day for Reformed folks, i think. But Elder Yong is a good man, most of his answers were careful and gentle. Maybe he had a bad day, do come by later.
Maybe it IS just a virus after all?