God loves you, even as you suffer the loss of a loved one. He offers peace and comfort in any language.
“Te Amo” means “I love you” in Spanish. Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Finding God at a funeral has never been difficult for me, because I have always been encouraged by the scripture that provides hope for life beyond the grave. However, recently I attended a memorial service that was spoken entirely in Spanish, and even though I had studied Spanish for several years, I admit I was lost in most of the liturgy.
But then two simple phrases during the priest’s homily gave me a profound sense of peace and comfort that will always stay with me.
He said something like this, “Mujer, aquí está tu hijo…. Aquí está tu madre.”
I recognized just two words at first: hijo and madre…son and mother…and instantly remembered the story.
As Christ hung on the cross, his mother Mary and friend and disciple John were among the faithful few witnessing his suffering. The Lord’s last piece of business was to make sure his best friend would take care of his mother. They would be each other’s support in the days ahead.
John records Jesus’ simple instructions: “’Dear woman, here is your son,’ and to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ From that time on, this disciple took her into his home” (John 19:26-27).
As I looked around the church sanctuary, I saw loved ones holding up and guiding the grieving wife of the deceased. I saw others hugging extended family members. I heard whispered words of encouragement.
Those short two sentences can give us comfort that we can always find God in the love and care of a family member, neighbor, friend, or coworker — we just need to let someone know we are in need.
Listen to the comforting hymn “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” sung by Steve Green. You can also click through to the video on YouTube to read beneath it the lyrics in Spanish and other languages: HERE.
©Janet Holm McHenry. Janet is a national speaker, high school teacher, author of books including PrayerWalk and PrayerStreaming, and has been featured in magazines including Family Circle. Visit Janet at www.janetmchenry.com, or her blog, http://janetmchenry.wordpress.com.
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