Today, faithful parishioner Al Gens is being buried. Following is a letter I wrote to be read at today’s funeral. +May the soul of Al and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.+
Dear Members of the Gens’ Family, Friends of Al and Fellow St. Judeans,
Thank you for giving me the privilege of interrupting this liturgy to share a few thoughts about my friend, Al.
It grieves me that I am not able to be with you in person as I am gathered in Anaheim, California, with thousands of other Episcopalians doing the work of the greater Church. We are endeavoring to ensure that places, like St. Jude’s, continue to be congregations centered upon the Gospel of Christ and the mission from it. It is a mission that Al believed in much.
Five years ago this week, I met Al for the first time. He was home, sitting in his front room on his favorite chair, television blasting, resting from his morning’s radiation treatment. Although he was tired, he welcomed and embraced me with open arms. He shared with me a glimpse of his life, how much he loved his Church, his family and his friends. In the midst of our conversation, he did not once complain about his health or what was happening to him. “He’d lived a good life,” he exclaimed.
Al did live a “good life.” A life committed to service and putting God and others before his own needs. He was dedicated deeply to ensuring that the mission of St. Jude’s would be spread and that these doors would always be open. He is an example of the kind of churchmen all Christians should model.
I will miss Al deeply as I know all of you will. However, in the midst of our grief, let us be certain that the Al we knew is not dead but lives. Allow the loving hands of our loving Savior wipe away your tears. Be there for one another, hold each other and remember, Al not only lived a good life, he lives one today.
Rest assured of my daily prayers and that of the thousands gathered in Anaheim as Al was remembered here in our prayers. Upon my arrival home, please know that I am always here with open arms and open ears as Al was for me.
In deepest sympathy,
Christopher+