The rainbow is a sign of God’s Covenant.  It was the sign – “the bow” – that God gave to Noah.  He would give the world new life – a life freed from sin for those who obey His command. I took this picture yesterday outside the seminary, overlooking echo field.

That Promise is what the entire church of St. Mary of the Mill prayed for when Fr. Joseph Mary Deane, CFR (and one of my best friends) led the entire family to pray for the repose of his mother’s soul.  He is such a man of faith, he truly knew that he was celebrating his mother’s entry into Eternal Life through God’s grace.  That’s the reason why he can smile before his mother’s funeral Mass!

Jean Dean died on Easter Monday, after battling some serious sickness and health problems.  But she endured these things with serious faith!  She died in her bedroom, surrounded by her children and loving husband, Jack after many years of faithful marriage.  

She expired as her Franciscan son priest celebrated Mass for her in her room.  What a way to leave this earth – while her son was saying Mass for her!

Jean was the type of person whose faith was very evident in everything she did. One of her daughters, Regina, shared a story about her mother’s compassion.  Jean was “famous” for bringing people to her home to feed them or offer them hospitality. Whether it was European backpackers who pitched tent in their backyard, or welcoming a homeless man to their home on Easter Sunday for a family meal.  Knowing that, the whole church was confident that Jesus would keep His promise: whatever you do to the least of my people, you do to Me.  We’re sure that God has a special place for her in heaven.

Since Fr. Joseph Mary is such a good friend, my heart hurt for his loss.  It was a sad, but hope-filled day.  I was also so proud of how he was able to celebrate the Mass so beautifully!  It made me think of the inevitable day when I would have to do the same. But for now, we can all just thank God for the life He gave us, and pray that we fulfill our end of the “covenant”.

At the end of the funeral, as crowds made their way to the reception, the rest of the Franciscan Friars made their way to the chapel to pray before the exposed Blessed Sacrament.  It’s another way that God keeps his promise – that He would be with us always until the end of time!

May Jean’s soul rest in the peace of God. May the entire Deane family continue to know of God’s merciful love, which is our only consolation.  May they also know of the Lord’s promise of the Resurrection as our only hope!

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