247.  That is the number of funerals that I have officiated since my ordination in 1995.  I happened across that statistic when hunting through my files for something recently.  

Seems like a lot!  I have officiated at far fewer weddings.  Not sure what that says about me!

Most of these funerals were for people in churches I have served.  Some, however, where for people without a church connection.  Some of these funerals were for people I knew very well while others I did not know at all.  

Some of them were large events with hundreds of people while the smallest was with a Funeral Director and me—just us.  Death was welcomed in some cases, a complete shock in others.  Elderly people, young people, peaceful, violent.  In retrospect, it is an amazing journey in itself.

What I find most rewarding about officiating at funerals is the privilege of being present with people in a time of loss and deep spiritual pain and searching.  It is truly an honor to walk with people during such times and provide comfort and hope through our faith.  

What I remember most about these events, what impresses me most, is what people say as they reflect on the person who has died.  It is pretty consistent, though, that most people don’t give this much thought until the loss is upon them.  The truth is, we all should.

So let me ask you a blunt question.  What will people say about you at your funeral?  What is important about you?  

I have yet to officiate at any funeral where people talked about the person’s material wealth.  What lasts, what impacts people and the world, what people remember and take with them amounts to two things: Character and Priorities.  

The kind of overall person you are is your character.  It is the imprint you make in this realm.  It is the impression you make in the sand of this reality.  It is noticed and it changes the landscape of the reality around you.

People are impacted by it.  They remember it.  Consequently, it’s pretty important to shape your character into the best possible person you can be.  Thankfully, God gives us the gift of free will to help us craft our character to reflect the values of our loving God.

The things you find most important in life are your priorities.  They are not just for this moment or this lifetime.  What you choose to prioritize is, in many ways, bigger than you are.  Your priorities are the basis of your legacy.  

What are your priorities in this life?  Are you consciously choosing them?  We assume we choose our priorities but very often they come from the outside in rather than from the inside out.  With a cultivated interior life, we can let the spirit of God shape our priorities. 

What will people say at your funeral?  I can’t say for sure, of course, but I can say that they will talk about your character and your priorities. 

You have control of both of those right now.  What would you like people to say?

See you in church,

–Rev. Dominic