“Among [Eugene’s] final words were, ​‘Let’s go.’ And his joy: my, oh my; the man remained joyful right up to his blessed end, smiling frequently. In such moments it’s best for all mortal flesh to keep silence. But if you have to say something say this: ​‘Holy, Holy, Holy.’” —Peterson Family Statement

Eugene Peterson passed through the veil Monday, the same day as a beloved parent of a Renovaré team member. 

The great ones are dying. At least it feels that way.

They’re not dead, of course; they’ve never been more alive. We know that by faith. But to us bound in time they are gone and our hearts ache from the absence.

In a piece Chris Hall wrote after the 2016 passing of his dear friend Tom Oden, he recalls the words of Thomas Lynch: ​“Grief is the tax we pay for loving.” We don’t grieve as those who don’t have hope — but grieve we do and grieve we must. Lives of long obedience deserve long farewells.

Death is a sharp prod, isn’t it? It awakens us from the sleep of routine to consider the lives we’re living. Theologian Karl Rahner offers a remarkable piece on this, concluding that only the love of God can transform our routine lives into a homecoming to God. May it be so.

Peace of Christ to you,