Bereavement Information and Resources

"By now they were near the village to which they were going, (Emmaus) and he acted as if he were going farther. But they pressed him: 'Stay with us. It is nearly evening - the day is practically over.' So he went in to stay with them."

- Luke 24: 28-29

Dearest Friend,

First, I would like to offer you my heartfelt condolence at the death of your loved one. Please know that all of us at Consoling Grace are praying for you during this difficult and sorrowful time.

We believe that grief is a journey that should never be walked alone. In scripture, Saint Luke describes two disciples journeying to the village of Emmaus a few days after Jesus was crucified. Some scripture scholars tell us that Luke knows well what happened on the way to Emmaus that day - because he himself was one of the two disciples walking along the road. (The other was Cleopas.)

And so it is that Saint Luke may have described his own journey through grief - and that of his friend - and how it was that they found the hope to continue: the hope for tomorrow.

Were the two afraid as they walked into evening's darkness? Burdened by loss? Deeply saddened? No doubt. For what purpose did they hurry away from the sorrowful scenes of their loved one's death? To escape? To mourn together? Or simply to go home after the burial? We don't know precisely.

We do know the two journeyed to Emmaus in the aftermath of Jesus' death on Calvary. And we know that, unbeknownst to them, the Lord was actually walking with them, comforting them, explaining to them all that had happened and why. Even though, in their grief, they did not recognize him - the Lord WAS there - walking with them, in the midst of their sorrow.

When evening came, the two invited him into their home, and one would surmise, into their hearts. It was then, 'in the breaking of the bread' that Luke and Cleopas recognized Him - their Lord and their God.

They knew then: they had never been alone and never would be.

They knew, as I pray you will know, that the Lord of Life and of Love, the Lord of all Consolation is with you always. He walks the road of your grief with you; he waits to be invited into your heart and into your home; he wishes to be recognized the breaking of the bread, in the fellowship of friends, in the company of family, and in the support of your faith community.

At Consoling Grace, we feel blessed to accompany you in your grief - to recognize Jesus in your distress - and to hope and pray that you recognize him as well, in whatever humble ministry we can provide to you in this hour of need.

Please feel free to refer to the articles and internet resources on the sidebar of this letter.

Know that we consider you to be a member of the Consoling Grace family. During this difficult time, you are in our thoughts and prayers. We pray that the God of all consolation will comfort you in your sorrow, that you will feel our support as you walk the road of grief, and know: you are never alone.

In Christ,

Eileen

Eileen T. Geller, President
Consoling Grace