It first came into my field of vision on a Zoom call during the pandemic. Just over her head was a group of pictures with individual people. This caught my attention as they did not look like the usual collection of family photos. Rather, they appeared to be individuals of strong presence and significant stature. A number of meetings later my friend and colleague mentioned those who had the most influence on her and who she gathered her strength from. And then she pointed to the pictures behind her. These were her ‘Cloud of Witnesses’.
“The ‘Cloud of Witnesses’ is a phrase mentioned in the Bible, specifically in the New Testament, in the book of Hebrews, Chapter 12, verse 1. It refers to a metaphorical cloud of people who have lived faithfully before God and serve as examples or witnesses for believers to look up to and draw inspiration from in their own spiritual journey. These individuals are often considered to be heroes of faith who have demonstrated great perseverance and commitment to God.” (Chat GPT).
For me, I am so grateful for those in my life as the Book of Common Prayer offers, “for all those whom
we love but see no longer.” Whether you feel their spirit lives in you, or the memory of them is acutely, deeply held in your mind and soul, our beloveds, and those who’ve had a significant impact on our journey continue to reside within us. Their companionship brings us wisdom, perspective, love and connectedness to now and eternity.
Many of us gather this weekend to remember those who have died, particularly for those who did so in service to our country. I’m eternally grateful for the ‘Cloud of Witnesses’ who continue to inspire me to live into the fullness of this time and as I look forward to the time to come.
Poet, author, and theologian John O’Donohue offers these two pieces.
“The dead are not distant or absent. They are alongside us. When we lose someone to death, we lose their physical image and presence, they slip out of visible form into invisible presence. This alteration of form is the reason we cannot see the dead. But because we cannot see them does not mean that they are not there. Transfigured into eternal form, the dead cannot reverse the journey and even for one second re-enter their old form to linger with us a while. Though they cannot reappear, they continue to be near us and part of the healing of grief is the refinement of our hearts whereby we come to sense their loving nearness. When we ourselves enter the eternal world and come to see our lives on earth in full view, we may be surprised at the immense assistance and support with which our departed loved ones have accompanied every moment of our lives. In their new, transfigured presence their compassion, understanding and love take on a divine depth, enabling them to become secret angels guiding and sheltering the unfolding of our destiny.”
“May you continue to inspire us;
To enter each day with a generous heart.
To serve the call of courage and love
Until we see your beautiful face again.”
