麻豆约拍

A reflection and prayer to start the day with the Revd Dr Mark Clavier, canon theologian for the Diocese of Swansea and Brecon.

Good morning. Little distinguishes us more from our ancestors than our attitude towards the dead. Where I live in Wales, I can easily visit any number of prehistoric burial mounds and cairns: ancient monuments to the dead. For almost all of human history, we have sought to keep our dead close by, to give them a place among the living. Perhaps this is invariably so among those for whom death and dying are ever-present realities.

Today, many churches remember the 鈥渇aithful departed鈥�, all who have died in the faith to whose names no one has ever officially affixed the title 鈥楽aint鈥�. In this way, we keep them close by, conjuring them up annually to our collective memory, so that their lives may speak to us who are still living. We share each other鈥檚 company, and though this can cause tears among the grieving, it鈥檚 also a source of strength and comfort.

It was a common practice through at least Roman times for the living not only to remember their dead but also to share meals with them. On many Sundays, my communion prayers include this line: 鈥淲e pray for the faithful departed, those whom we have known and loved, and who share with us in this Eucharist鈥︹�� It serves as a reminder that at our own meal, the one instituted by Christ as a memorial of his own death, both the living and the dead are present. If having a meal together is what families do, how comforting it is to know that at our most important meal, the Eucharist, our dead remain very much鈥�family.

Let us pray.
Father of all, we pray for all those whom we love but see no longer. Grant to them eternal rest. Let light perpetual shine upon them. May the souls of all the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.