"I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you…” Philippians 1:3-4
When a member at one of my calls was dying, I encouraged him to live because we still wanted him around. He was clear, however, that he wanted to be with the Lord. He was 84 and his work was done. He quoted Philippians, his favorite biblical book: “My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better.” He died shortly after that conversation. Paul’s wonderfully clear paradox is a gift for people of faith. “To live is Christ and to die is gain.” Though he would love to be with Christ, Paul still had work to do and he wanted to see the people of Philippi one more time. We are free to live into the promise that in death we will continue in Christ. My father had it just right.
Welcoming God, we are grateful for the promise that sustains in life and in death. Amen.
