Monday 11 July 2011

"I'd like to see more smiles"

We learned with great sadness this evening of the death of our father, the Bishop. After many years of living with cancer, and these past few months of intense suffering, by which he witnessed to Christ in such a powerful way, he has now gone to the Lord. 


A few months ago, Bishop Michael recorded an interview for our local television. At the end, the interviewer asks him what would be his message for East Anglians when the day of his death finally comes. He said his message was the Good News:

"We go through death to resurrection. If there is pain, then we go through that to something even better. And, therefore, there is a way forward. It's not about standing still or just being who we are. We are on a journey, a pilgrimage, and a joyful one. I'd like to see more smiles."

Bishop Michael's pilgrimage here on earth has ended, and we rejoice in God's love and Truth. We pray for his soul, for the diocese, and for the comforting balm and guiding wisdom of the Holy Spirit. 

2 comments:

Jack Regan said...

Brilliant post. Thank you.

Tony said...

John 11:25 seems appropriate.

"I am the Resurrection and the Life.
He that believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live,
and whoever lives and believes in me shall never die."

I place my hope in the Lord. And I hope and pray that Bishop Michael's soul will be welcomed by the angels into the comfort and joy of Heaven. May Bishop Michael rest in peace, bathed in the glory and majesty of God.