Untimely bereavement

Before I went to bed last night, I retrieved an email from the address of a former colleague, Monica Mills  written by her husband Peter, to say that Monica had died from unstoppable cancer, in just five weeks after diagnosis. It was such a shock, as we were the same age. Until a year ago, she was ecumenical  chaplain of the Lightship in Cardiff Bay, She'd moved away from Cardiff to start a part-time retirement ministry in Lymington in the New Forest, having not long recovered from joint replacement surgery. All looked well for their future, entered into with trust and confidence together. They didn't know any more than anyone else can know what lay hidden for them, either in the long or short term, but this was so very unexpected.

Essentials of Christian faith allow us to sketch our understanding of life as God intends it for us, and we follow this outline in trust, as best we can. Whatever plans or ambitions any of us may entertain, we have no control over our life span, no understanding of the gift of life, its extent or full meaning and purpose, until its end is in view. But we dare believe every human life, no matter how long or short, has its value and purpose in God's mind. Reaching into the divine unknown through prayer is such a vital activity, so central to Christian discipleship. It's not so much the answers we think we may receive, but the very act of enquiry itself, of longing to know the truth of our existence that shapes our true humanity.

It's something I think Monica understood very well, as pastor and spiritual guide, respected and valued in local government and commerce down in Cardiff Bay, as well as in the circles of the faithful.

May she rest in peace and rise in glory.