Faith | Funerals give us a chance to contemplate what lies beyond the grave

What is this thing that men call death, this quiet passing in the night? ‘Tis not the end but genesis, Of better worlds and greater light. — Gordon B. Hinkley

The subject of death, and the subsequent attendance at funeral services, has regularly occupied my thought processes more heavily this year than in times past.

Whether it was the quiet passing of my 97-year-old mother, the demise of several friends who were about my age, or the seemingly untimely death of younger generation friends, my wife and I have spent many weekends attending funeral services.

I cannot remember another year in my 75 years on Earth, when I have had so many occasions to contemplate the meaning of life, the reality of death, and the hope of things to come. The Apostle Paul aptly observed: “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.” (1 Corinthians 15: 19)

Poets, philosophers, and prophets have all pierced the veil of the unknown after-life in order to give assurances to those of us who continue along this mortal journey.

A most comforting assurance came from the Apostle John, who saw the end result of those who faithfully endured life’s tribulations. He said, “God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.” (Revelation 7: 17)

Interestingly, my mother, shortly before her death, wrote an addendum to John’s words. She wrote, “He will wipe away all tears from our eyes, except tears of happiness.” I believe my mother.

No one knows the full extent of what lies beyond the grave. Faith bridges gaps of fear and doubt.

“Faith is to hope for things which are not seen, but which are true.” (Bible Dictionary p. 641) In other words, one of our primary purposes in life is to continually exercise our faith in God and in his divine Son, Jesus Christ, through prayer, study, reflection (such as attending funeral services), and coming to know God by “keep[ing] his commandments.” (See 1 John 2:3).

God’s promises to his children are many. Here are a few:

▪ “In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” (John 14: 2)

▪ “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” (1 Corinthians 2: 9)

▪ “Without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (Hebrews 11: 6)

My friends, young and old, who suffer from the loss of a family member or close associate, may I offer just one suggestion? Do not shrink from the challenge of wrestling through the sadness of bereavement—applying principles taught in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

For every episode of deep remorse, the Savior has provided a counter-balancing remedy of lasting peace. The promises contained in holy writ are sure. “God is not dead, nor doth he sleep.” (Henry Wadsworth Longfellow)

My personal quest for peace and joy in this temporary earthly existence has led me to the comforting knowledge that God lives.

His Son, Jesus Christ, suffered and died for sins, yours and mine. If we will come unto him, we will see our departed loved ones again and dwell with them in the presence of God — a state of never-ending happiness.

Those are some of the things I have learned from funerals.