Write you own obituary!

 

Sunday 4 January 2026

 

Lectio Divina:*

Sirach 24:1-12

Psalm 147

Ephesians 1:3-18

John 1:35-42

 

Meditatio:

“What are you looking for?” (John 1:38)

 Commentary:

When did you last read an obituary (or hear a funeral eulogy) that went something like this:

‘He was a much revered person who worked all the hours God gave to become the head in this industry and organisation. He put in long hours, cut deals, fought off competitors and saved the organisation on more than one critical moment. He received numerous honorary doctorates and one real one while he wrote eight books, 40 journal articles and served on many commission and boards. He had many friends and contacts but none terribly close. He did make time for family life and local rotary club activities.  He will be missed but life goes on and things change. It was sad to see his health deteriorate in his final years.  He did recognise the few who visited him in the very final months at St Fachtna’ Nursing Home.  His farewell was an occasion of some sadness.’

Not often, I suggest. Not at all, in fact!

Write your own obituary or, better still, live in such a way that others will write an obituary that you can be justly proud of because you were a caring, loving, truthful and fair person in whatever role or responsibility was entrusted to you.

Every so often we need to stop for a few minutes, or hours or even days and ask the hard question that Jesus asked the two disciples: ‘what do I want?’ What do I seek?  Above and beyond the daily toils and struggles what is my purpose and aim in life? Truly?

Sometimes there are no immediate or clear answers. It may involve some trial and error. ‘Come and see’ was Jesus’ reply when asked ‘where are you staying?’

Oratio

Collect

 O God, whose Son is revealed as the Lamb who calls us by name, grant that, like Andrew and the first disciples, we may hear His invitation, follow where He leads,
and bring others into the joy of His presence.  Draw us to remain with Him, that in His light we may discover our true vocation and bear witness to the One who is our Teacher and our Lord, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.