Autumn in the springtime

Today I buried Melanie Weeks, a very young person who died of leukaemia complications. She was only twenty three.

I said at the beginning of my homily, "Melanie was a joy to us, to her family and friends. All her positive outlook in life, sense of humour, youthfulness and memories make it all the more difficult for us to let go of her. But we let go of her in faith, knowing full well where she is going and not wishing to refuse God the pleasure of her which we ourselves have so enjoyed. Melanie was God’s gift and grace on loan to us – we must never forget that – and she was an outstanding gift and grace. We will remember the beauty and the love and the charm and the joy that she was among us..."

This is my first time to officiate a funeral service for a young person. It is so sad to see someone die while still in the springtime of life.

Let us be thankful for the gift of life.