As I write this week's pastor's column, I want to share with you the fact that I have been in grief the past few days as I contemplate the news that some friends of mine in Ft. Smith, as of Sunday morning are deeply mourning the death of one of their grandchildren, five year old Millie.  Obviously the parents, who exchanged vows in the Sacrament of Matrimony with me as the Celebrant of their wedding vows about ten years ago, are DEVASTATED.  Millie's older sister who is seven years old, is no doubt confused and hurting as her younger sister is no longer there to play with her.  Millie's parents took her to the emergency room in Ft. Smith with "cold-like symptoms" and within two hours she was dead.

In the face of such a tragedy, it is normal for the family to ask WHY this happened and not surprisingly many will ask that question to God.  Neither I as a priest, nor anyone I know of can answer that question with any acceptable or satisfying answer.  My response has been one of expressing sincere condolences and letting them know how sad I feel for them, and that I am praying God's love, comfort, consolation and hope wil be with them, especially when they were young, will rightly say that the hurt never completely goes away, most will say that with time (and I hope with faith) the hurt will lessen.  I would be inclinded, I think, to say something like this if I were to preach at this or any young child's funeral:  "The God who loved this child into existence and loved that child in the short time they were in this world, especially through their parents and other family members, now expresses indescribable loving care for this and every one of his children for all eternity.  And, with God's grace and mercy, you most assuredly will see and with joy be with her again!"