Eulogy

by Paul Turner

The homily holds pride of place in every liturgy. At a funeral, the homily should proclaim the central Christian beliefs about life and death: God's undying love, the death and resurrection of Jesus, the consolation and strength which help the Christian face death with hope of eternal life.

The funeral homily brings the comforting word of God to the mourners. Although it frequently draws from the example of the deceased's life, the homily is not intended as a biographical summary.

To allow the good deeds of the deceased to be presented to the community, the liturgy also permits a spoken remembrance. This may occur near the end of the service, apart from the homily. The funeral rites offer no further advice about the content of this talk. The one who prepares it should keep in mind the nature of the celebration. The presentation may recall those aspects of the deceased which will inspire the community to renew its commitment to Christ. Brevity is advisable, because this talk should not detract from the Liturgy of the Word nor from the prayers for the deceased. A few details should suffice.

At some vigil services, the presider allows mourners spontaneously to share memories of the deceased. Such a ritual may kindle the community's memory of the deceased by allowing those who grieve to share their insight. Even so, a few memories should suffice. In this way the remembrance will not overshadow the reason for the gathering: the proclamation of redemption in Jesus Christ.

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Paul Turner, pastor of St. Munchin Parish in Cameron, MO, holds a doctorate in sacramental theology from Sant' Anselmo University in Rome.