Lady Gillian’s Grave Blessing. Highgate Cemetery

Good afternoon. Many thanks for those readings. As  a prologue to the blessing I would like to share how I see our life, “Our Journey to Eternity” – as I call my memoires.

Our life has three stages. The first, is in our mother’s womb. There, we could not breathe, or know anything about life outside ( though apparently, we could hear sounds and remember music we had heard). Then, after some nine months, we were pushed out, started to breathe and for the first time, saw our mother’s face.

And here we are; breathing, learning, working, making choices that shape our heart and spirit - and our relationship with God, our soul. 

At our death, this second stage comes to an end as we are pushed out of  this womb of space-time to be born into our third and final stage and for the first time see the face of God - and discover what Paradise is really like. “No eye has seen, no ear heard, what God has prepared for those who love him.” Now Gillie has seen and heard – and is delighting in life with God. Hence the white side of my stole. The purple signifies our grief. The white, Gillian’s gain.

‘ A Blessing’ is ‘asking for God's help and protection for someone or something, and to make someone or something holy.’ In my theology, in the way I see Creation, everything, created and held in existence – and beloved – by God, is holy. But unless we realise that, that fact does not enhance our life.

So, a ceremony like this is helpful. It helps us realise – not ‘to make real’ but ‘to understand, to see, to accept  - and thank God for that fact.’

God is always blessing us. Fact. At a service like this I invite  you to see, to accept and to rejoice in this fact. We are surrounded by air but, unless it moves – and thanks to this wind  - we are aware it is there. Prayer is the fan that reminds us of God’s presence. I like to think I am a fan of yours – certainly today, here and now.

Years ago, a woman came and complained that she had been praying to God for help but without success. I answered " How have you managed to survive all these years?" She replied "I have these lovely neighbours and friends. " I replied, "God sent you these. He is in them. How else can he help you but through his creation?”

In Mt 8,28  Jesus says ," What you do to the least of mine, you do to me." The corollary of this is "what the least of mine do to you, I do for you." God, through me is here with you.

Once you realise this, life is enriched – and your ageing slows down.

Lady Gillian was a blessing, a gift from God. So, let us thank God for her and this blessed grave, as together we pray, “Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. "

And may you always realise God's blessings and be grateful. As Cicero said, “Gratitude is the first and the root of all virtues."  So, let us go in peace. Amen.