Eucharistic
An old practice in the church involves the celebration of Holy Communion at a funeral, in the earliest traditions at the graveside. In the Lord’s Supper, the church gives thanks for all of creation and anticipates that day when the whole family of God will be gathered at the heavenly banquet. Even when the Eucharist per se is not observed, the funeral still is an expression of thanksgiving. The church gives thanks to God for the many gifts of life, especially the gift of the life of the deceased. Even when the deceased was a “difficult” person and our experience was conflicted, we give thanks for this life, this sometimes inscrutable embodiment of God’s image, and for the ways our faith has been tested and strengthened by being in relationship with her or him.
