Funeral Homily Essay

Gospel: John 11: 17-27

1. Contextual information about the community addressed:

Historical context: John’s Gospel was addressed to an Ephesian Gentile audience—modern day Turkey.

John 11:17-27 describes the meeting between Jesus, Mary and Martha after Lazarus has died. Jesus’ hour is prefigured in this text but the text should be considered in light of the whole, larger passage, which includes the miraculous resurrection of Lazarus (page 681).

2. Significant information:

Jesus knows of the death of Lazarus before Mary and Martha tell Him, indicating that he is Omniscient (page 687).

Martha indicates that she expected Jesus would have saved her brother but that now it is too late, even though she confesses her belief in a resurrection. This belief does not come across as holding much resignation to the will of God, however, for she is still upset that her brother is dead (page 688).

Jesus announces that He is the resurrection and the life—i.e., that no one lives but through Him (page 689).

Older Testament: Wisdom 3:1-6, 9

1. Contextual information about the community addressed (give page number/s):

Generally understood as written by King Solomon for other rulers, the Book of Wisdom contains a great deal of insight on every aspect of life but especially on living in righteousness (page 467).

2. Significant information:

Solomon explains the reward of the just, which is not shameful death, but rather union with God (page 469).

The just are proved like gold in a fire—they experience trial but their trust in the Lord is what sees them through (page 469).

Psalm: _Psalm 23_ Commentary

1. Contextual information about the community addressed

Psalm written by David acknowledging that the “Lord is my shepherd.” The audience is the Hebrew people of his kingdom. It is not just a psalm for funerals but also a psalm for living (page 767).

2. Significant information:

The Lord keeps people alive (page 767).

God is merciful and just (pages 767-8).

God sustains those who are faithful—this is the essence of the passage (page 768).

New Testament letter: _1 Corinthian 15: 51-57

1. Contextual information about the community addressed:

Written by St. Paul to the Corinthians, who were experiencing errors in teaching and St. Paul wrote to clarify the doctrine.

2. Significant information:

Death is the punishment for sin (page 989).

The law does not give life—only Christ has overcome death (page 989).

B

Written Outline of Preaching Preparation

1. Community being addressed (name, place, date):

Catholic Church parish in Cincinnati—adult members; liturgical season: Lent. Middle class parishioners who have assembled for a funeral. Funeral for the 16 year old son of a married father of 2 children (still teens); the father of the deceased was active in Knights of Columbus.

2. Lectionary: Sunday/Feastday/Other Liturgical Event: Funeral Homily ______

Cycle __ Lent, Year 2020, Language ___English_____

3. Lectionary/Scripture Readings, including Psalm:

Gospel: John 11: 17-27

Wisdom 3:1-6, 9

Psalm 23

1 Corinthian 15: 51-57

4. What is happening with this community (locally, nationally, or globally)…

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…state of grace—because we know not the hour when Our Lord will call us for our reckoning.

“I will fear no evil, for you are with me.” Do not fear: where sin abounded, God’s grace did more abound. We are not to spend our time in fear. Today, there is a virus ravaging the world. We are not to worry or dread or wonder that God allows this to happen. God has put a death sentence on every one of us—and only He knows the hour. He wants us to walk in faith, so that we can be assured that when our hour is up we will be with Him.

Therefore, let us give thanks: “Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through Our Lord Jesus Christ.” God gave us the resurrection, He created us to be with Him, and He does not abandon—nor does His mother—so long as we pray to them both and ask for their assistance at the hour of our death. We know it is hard to lose someone we love—but think of how hard it will be for you if you lose your own soul. Think about this my dear friends. God does not damn anyone—but He allows us to damn ourselves. We decide where we want to spend our eternity. We chose. Every day of our lives. So let us pray for the living and for the dead. The soul of this boy lives on. It is our duty as Catholics to pray for his soul so that whatever pains he is suffering in Purgatory might be lessened…