A Time For Mourning

 

In the last three months, both my daughters have experienced the loss of teenage friends.  One died while on holiday abroad, the other in a horrendous car accident. Death, any death can be tragic, coming to terms with it can be a process that takes a long time; whether it is the death of one loved and known well, or that of many whom we no very little about, who are killed in a Tsunami type disaster which affects whole nations.

 

Most of us are familiar with the painful experience of loss. Grief is the natural reaction to the loss of a loved one and mourning is an expression of the grief that we feel at these times.  To lose someone around Christmas or the beginning of a New Year, can be particularly painful.

 

It is normal following the death of someone close to us, to experience a great deal of inner pain. It is important that this pain be allowed expression as to deny it, or pretend it is not there, may cause problems at a later date.

 

Death means separation, it means change, because the loss of a loved one will affect the pattern of life, which can never be the same again. Grief and mourning is part of our human experience. The pain of grief is the price we pay for loving someone. One of the most moving passages for me in the Bible, comes from the New Testament, and from St John chapter 11,verse 35, ‘Jesus wept’. One of the shortest sentences but full of meaning.  It tells me that God understands our situation and shares our grief. His message to us is one of hope and life.

 

Jesus says to us:’ Come to me ,all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest.’

 

By Revd John Jenkinson, Minister of Highfield and Longcauseway United reformed Churches, belonging to Churches Together in Dewsbury.