We mourn many things. The most obvious objects of our mourning are the friends and relatives who have passed away, people with whom we have had close relationships and shared happy times. We are sad that they are no longer with us, and that we cannot look forward to more happy times together. Perhaps we regret that we did not spend enough time with them, or that we have unfinished business,
that we did not really conclude our relationship with the understanding that we will not see each other again. But people also mourn landscapes that have been destroyed, natural environments that are ruined, animals we have cared for, our failing health, or the health of the planet.
As birth is a part of life, so death is also the natural end of every living organism. Nothing and no one can live forever. Every life has only a limited
number of days. Unfortunately, we never know when the end of our days will come. This understanding does not necessarily provide consolation when we have lost someone dear to us, but it does help us to reflect that our desire to hold on to something or someone forever is neither possible nor rational.
The words “time and tide wait for no man” are attributed to Geoffrey Chaucer. They encourage us—men and women—to make the best use
of opportunities as they arise, so that we have fewer regrets when the possibilities are no longer there. The famous thanatologist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross observed that in times of grief, we frequently go through the five stages of denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. These are not linear and can recur or happen in a different sequence. But the end that we hope for is that we come to acceptance, or as Jesus promised, comfort. It is a spiritual act of mercy to comfort the
afflicted. Let us not miss the opportunity to do this for each other.
What have I mourned for the most? Am I still carrying the pain of an unresolved grief? How do I let God in to heal the pain?
