The Eve of The Presentation [Feb. 1, 2003]
Canon
Richard T. Nolan
Rite 1 Eucharist 2/1/03
Before I begin the brief sermon for this Service, we should pause and reflect for a moment on today's tragedy.
It is tempting for some clergy to try to substitute a contrived cosmic purpose, and even a frivolous joy, after such awful events. More than not, when we do this, we create a cloud of denial. Insensitively, we shut out the horrible realities people are experiencing in their hearts and minds. I have no words of wisdom that give purpose to the horrific. I will not pretend that there is any genuine joy here. Tragedies are just what they are: no more and no less.
I hope that the Astronauts' deaths were instantaneous and that they did not suffer anguish of any kind.
And, although I trust that they are now in God's hands in a new way, I cannot begin to imagine the grief suffered by their families, friends, and colleagues. As Christians, we profess "the life everlasting." Yes, but that does not erase the emotions of loss felt by survivors. In time, grief may soften; in time, it may not dominate, but wherever there has been love and friendship, a void is a void is a void - to some degree, throughout one's life. We learn to cope as we go on, with strength from God and one another.
Let us bow our heads in prayer:
O God, whose days are without end, and whose mercies cannot be numbered: Make us, we beseech thee, deeply aware of the shortness and uncertainty of life; and let thy Holy Spirit lead us in holiness and righteousness all our days; that, when we shall have served thee in our generation, we may be gathered in the fellowship of those who live anew.
Lord, we entrust those courageous Astronauts Rick, Kalpana, William, David, Laurel, Michael and Ilan who died today to thy never-failing love; receive them into the arms of thy mercy. Grant that, increasing in knowledge and love of thee, they may go from strength to strength in the life of perfect service in thy heavenly kingdom.
Give courage and faith to those who are bereaved, that they may have strength to meet the days ahead in the comfort of a reasonable and holy hope, in the joyful expectation of everlasting life with those they love.
Help us, we pray, in the midst of things we cannot understand, to believe and trust in your Word, in the communion of saints, in the forgiveness of sins, and in the resurrection to life everlasting.
Lord, we gather here in the comfort of a reasonable, religious, and holy hope; in charity with the world, and with reverence for your Holy Name. Amen.
(adapted from The Book of Common Prayer)