Although Tony is neither a Buller nor even a Mennonite (not even close!), the thrust of his message is appropriate for our observance of Good Friday and Easter. Simply stated, Tony Campolo reminds us that we live in the reality of Friday, the day of death and loss, but anticipate and know that Sunday’s coming, the day when all will be made whole, when we will rejoin those who have left us, forever to celebrate the joy of each other’s company. Grandma and Grandpa and so many others are no longer with us, but someday we will all be together once again.
I am reminded of one of several poignant moments from Grandma’s funeral. The service at Metz Mortuary was finished, and everyone was getting ready for the drive to Buller cemetery. As Donna and I walked out of the sanctuary and turned down the corridor toward the south parking lot, we saw Grandpa standing at the end. We joined him and stood for a moment. Suddenly he looked up half-startled and said, “Oh, I guess I don’t need to wait for Mom.” In that instant Grandpa knew what it means to live in the reality of Friday. Thankfully, he also had the hope and the assurance of Sunday.
As we remember the death and resurrection of our Lord this weekend, let us also recall the lives and faith of those who came before us, not just Grandpa and Grandma but also Peter P and Margaretha, Peter D and Sarah, David and Helena, all the way back past the Unknown Buller to Heinrich Bühler, our earliest known ancestor, who actually suffered for his faith. It is Friday for all of us who remain today, but Sunday is coming, too.
Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? … Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Cor 15:55, 57)
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