Roman Catholic Bishop of Rhode Island Thomas Tobin—Let’s Bury the Eulogies (amen, yes, thank you bishop, ed.)

from TitusOneNine by Kendall Harmon

The point here is that the funeral liturgy is public worship for the Church – with its own expectations and limitations – and not primarily a memorial service for the one who has died. The homily, therefore, should focus on Jesus Christ and His saving death and resurrection, and not become a testimony – as well-deserved as it might be – to the deceased.

Obviously it’s fitting, even during the homily, to offer sympathy and support to the grieving community, and to say good things about the deceased, to highlight their positive virtues and contributions. But that personal tribute should never be the primary focus of the homily.

Read it all.