A PRIEST'S FAREWELL

When I leave you to go the Silent Way, grieve not! Laugh and talk of me as if I were beside you here. I hope you sense my presence still. The truth is I will never really leave you -- and other dear friends. I'd come, I'd come to you in person could I but find a way.

When the Autumn leaves blaze away gloriously in defiance of time and then start to fall, when dancing trees embrace the chilly breeze, when you hear a song or see a bird I loved, or repeat some humor, please do not let the thought of me be sad for I am loving you just as I always have. Loving and being loved is the key to life's mystery. Love is stronger than death -- you were -- you are still, I know, so good to me.

There are so many things I wanted still to do for you so many things still to say to you. God surely will let me keep my promise! You surely will not keep your distance!

Remember that you and I do not fear death as children fear the dark! God's gifts here and hereafter put man's best dreams to shame! It was just leaving you physically that was so hard to face. "Goodbye" is one of the saddest words in the English language. But we will surely meet again and enjoy Heaven forever-- together.

We cannot see the Great Beyond, but this I know: I loved you -- you were so full of wonder -- wonder full! It was the beginning of Heaven here with you -- the suburbs of Heaven!

Love is the source of the deepest happiness known to us here on earth! God is love! We can only feebly, faintly imagine what it is like in Heaven. It is a mystery, a grandeur, an ecstasy, a liberation, an unspeakable intimacy, a self-donation, a self surrender. Love is the very breath of the eternal! True love continues to grow and grow here and in Heaven. In Heaven some day our sacred body, tabernacle of an immortal soul, will join us - never to be parted from us again!

The two disciples going to Emmaus begged Christ: "Stay with us f or the day is far spent. " No! No! today we pray "Stay with us Lord for the day has just begun!"