When loved ones pass away a certain clarity seems to come my way when thinking about their life and what effect they may have had on myself and family. My brother in law, Al, passed away this morning. Since the day I met him he could best be described by the well known biblical phrase: "Salt of the Earth". This phrase appears a number of times in both the Old and New Testaments but Matthew 5:13 best describes its meaning. Matthew uses it immediately after Jesus delivers
The Sermon on the Mount, one of the most beautiful pieces of literature ever written. The beatitudes are what we need to adjust our selfish attitudes. We are called to the imitation of Christ Himself and live the beatitudes as best we can. Al always lived humbly, peacefully, and treated my sister with love and respect. He proved his "salt" in the way he handled the intense suffering caused by an aggressive cancer. Quiet, resolute, and unassuming, Al showed us how a true man lives and dies. Rest in the Peace of Christ Al.
JMJ. Mick, SFO
