A Harsh Reality

20Mar
Very truly, I tell you, the hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. 
-John 5: 25


In a story from Jeremiah, we learn that God knows us before we are even born. But what about after our death? What happens there?


I know death isn’t the most exciting topic for a morning meditation. However, many of us are currently navigating death within our own lives or navigating it with someone else.


One of the great assurances I have found when I try to understand death is that if God knew us with such intimacy before we were born, wouldn’t God know us in the same way in death? 


It can be hard to know what to say when we spend time with someone who is grieving. Death is a harsh reality of humanity. However, just because someone we care for is no longer in our midst, we can find comfort in knowing that they are now fully in the presence of God and they are being used to do amazing things for the Kingdom.  


God’s relationship with us is not limited to a period of 80 or 90 years. God was with us before we were born and will continue to be with us after our earthly lives are over. 

So, in this truth, I find a little comfort. I find some relief in knowing we will all one day return to our Creator - returning to the work that had begun in us before we were born. It is truly amazing to think that we are an eternal part of God’s great story - in whatever way that may be. 


Musical Reflection - I Wanna Die Easy - Big Joe Williams


Almighty God, we entrust all who are dear to us to thy never-failing care and love, for this life and the life to come, knowing that thou art doing for them better things than we can desire or pray for; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.


A Prayer for Those we Love, BCP p.831

HopeDeathLent

Posted by The Reverend Robert B. Hadzor

Bobby has served as the chaplain of Trinity Episcopal School since 2012 and as an Assisting Priest of Trinity Episcopal Church since 2018. He grew up in Dallas, Pennsylvania before moving to Franklin, Tennessee as a teenager. He attended Belmont University in Nashville where he graduated (2007) with a Bachelor of Arts in Religion with a minor in Philosophy.

Bobby attended Duke Divinity School in Durham, North Carolina where he graduated (2010) with a Masters of Divinity and an Anglican Studies Certificate from Duke Divinity’s Anglican House of Studies. During his time in seminary, he joined the Episcopal Church and was confirmed (2009) at St. Joseph's Episcopal in Durham, North Carolina by then Bishop of North Carolina, The Most Reverend Michael B. Curry.

Following his work in seminary, Bobby moved to Boston where he worked for the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts. He spent a year working with the interfaith communities throughout the greater Boston area and raised awareness on topics pertaining to social justice issues. He was a faithful member of Boston's "Common Cathedral", an outdoor church that met in the Boston Common and served those experiencing homelessness in the city.

In 2011, Bobby moved to New Orleans and undertook a year of Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE Certification) at East Jefferson General Hospital. While serving at EJGH, he became a member of Trinity Episcopal Church. In 2012, he began his Discernment for Ordained Ministry in the Diocese of Louisiana. In 2014, Bobby joined St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church in Metairie where he continued his spiritual growth and discernment process under the mentorship of The Very Reverend A.J. Heine, Jr.

Bobby was ordained to the Sacred Order of Deacons on May 17, 2017, at St. Augustine’s. Later that year, Bobby was ordained to the Sacred Order of Priests at Trinity Episcopal Church during a special school-day service that included the entire student body of Trinity Episcopal School.

Bobby married his wife Julie on January 6, 2018, at Christ Church Cathedral in New Orleans. Julie currently works for Tulane University’s Campus Planning Office. Bobby and Julie are avid travelers and are frequently planning, or preparing, for their next adventure in the world. They have made their home in New Orleans and enjoy participating in the numerous events of the city, including their favorite event of the year, the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.

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