Funeral Homily: Mark Lakin, at Holy Trinity, Over Warton

For me, funerals are a chance to express my gratitude.

Today I thank Christina for inviting me to preach this homily.

I thank God for allowing me to meet Mark and Christina a few years before I celebrated their wedding. I thank them both for inviting to celebrate the baptisms of their children, Patch, Molly and Henry.

I thank God for Jesus Christ who, with his death and resurrection, convinced me that at death, life is changed not ended. 

When Mark died, as the Good Thief on Calvary, he heard, “Today you will be with me in Paradise”; a far better place then even England – not a political statement criticising our government, just an expression of my faith and hope.

I thank God for Mark and all he gave to us – including me with, apart from much else, the boxes of wine placed in the boot of my car to make sure my wheels gripped the surface tightly as I drove away from Rest Hill House.

I thank Jesus Christ for letting us know that “what you do to the least of mine, you do onto me.” So, to avoid me boring Him, I will stop talking.