Tonight, as I entered through the big doors of Sanctuarium (in Araneta), I had in my mind a preconceived notion of what should happen in a memorial service. I have been to funeral services in the past before, so you could say that I know the sequence and order of the service. Most of the time, I was a part of the special number (this is usually a song rendition to comfort those who were left behind by the deceased) that was part of the memorial service. I really hoped in my heart that I could try to reach out to the family through the songs, but I didn't expect that I could gain something from someone who I never knew.
Even before the choir volunteered to do the special number, I told one of my closest friends that Shalom G2 should do a special number (even though half of the group were actually grandchildren of the deceased). I told her that we would just do a simple song probably hymn. Then I found out that the choir would sing so I was still glad that I could sing at the memorial service.
As soon as I found the room where the choir was practicing, I prepared myself to give my deepest sympathies through the song that we were going to sing. The time came when we did the special number and I believe our condolences reached the families left by the Bendicion patriarch. I thought to myself that was it. But I was wrong.
As I listened through the sermon, I was actually thinking of how it would be like to live up to 81 years old. To be able to see my sons and daughters, grandsons and granddaughters, even great grandchildren grow up in a happy, loving families. Truly, this must be a blessing from the Lord!
I never knew this man. But from countless testimonies, he was a man of few words. He did express himself that outwardly, but he conveyed his love through his actions to God, to his family, friends, and even several organizations. He did not seek glory for himself but thought of God and others before himself. I agree with Rev. Danny's message today (in 2 Timothy 4:7-8) that he fought a good fight, he finished the race and have kept his faith till the end. From testimonies upon testimonies, I have felt that he was really a good man. Someday (in heaven) I pray that I can see you so we can both praise and worship our Heavenly Father.
Rest in Peace... for even in your death your life has been one shining example of how Christians should live in this world.
A message from you someone you don't know...
