Paul Sanders, here's to you...

As those of you who know me already know by now, my good friend Paul Sanders died on February 2nd, 2008.

I just wanted to post the video tribute I made for the funeral reception, as well as the eulogy I gave at the funeral, since it seems these have helped many people get through this tough time.





Eulogy:

       Everyone here has been affected by Paul in one way or another. We’ve been struck by his zealousness, conviction of faith, determination, and yes, even his eccentricity. Paul was not willing to compromise with his beliefs, and you all certainly know how committed he was to the protection of the unborn. He was a man of great charity, helping the hungry and the homeless, adopting a Franciscan way of life. Some of us wondered if he would forever be a wanderer. But perhaps, like Christ, he was not made for this world and simply had no place to rest his head. When we were younger Paul said he wanted his occupation to be a professional hobo. Looks like he won. But Paul was just a great guy who could make you laugh, sometimes drive you nuts, but always there to support, comfort, and offer words of wisdom. We loved him, and we know we were loved by him.

       So the question on many of our minds is “why so young?” Why was he taken from us at such a young age? I had always thought someday he and I would become priests together and concelebrate the Mass. He was such a good, solid Catholic with an amazing future ahead of him, so why now?

       Why not now? He is now a good and solid Catholic with the heavenly kingdom before him! Now he may rest on the bosom of our Lord God, and experience the immediacy of the Holy Mass in its fullness! He needs no longer wait for the Body of Christ to lay upon his tongue, that he may consume the host to experience Heaven, but it is he who is consumed by the Almighty Love of God—Heaven present all around him.

       However, even though we may know this, it is still difficult for us all to bear. In an earthly sense, Paul has left us, and by that physical separation, we might find ourselves uncertain of what to do next. Sorrow pierces our hearts, and we may feel anxious, angry, aimless, and confused. When Jesus physically left the apostles, they too were uncertain of what to do next. So what did they do? They gathered in the upper room to pray with Jesus’ Mother. They waited on the Lord to instruct them in their time of trial and difficulty. The Holy Spirit then descended upon them as tongues of fire, and their mission became clear. The Advocate gave them the words and the strength to move forward in God’s Holy Will. So too, if we go up to pray with Our Lady, will there be an outpouring of the Holy Spirit: gifts of Wisdom, Understanding, Knowledge, Reverence, Courage, and Wonder & Awe. We have already seen such amazing fruit within only one week, as we have read in articles, the internet support groups, the overall uniting of those who have been touched by Paul during his life, and some have even felt the initiative to return to the Church. Paul continues to serve, even in death.

       I would like to conclude that it is no coincidence that Paul died on the feast of the Presentation of the Lord. His earthly mother Mary presented him to the Lord when he was born, and now that Paul is born into new life, his spiritual Mother Mary presents him to the Lord.

       Paul Sanders, may you forever live in the peace of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Do not grow weary or let your zeal become thin, but continue your mission—even now—where you can do far more for the injustices against the unborn, the poor, the needy, and the suffering, than you ever could in your earthly life.