2ND SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS DAY — January 2, 2022
FUNERAL – THE REV. CANON THOMAS HULME
Trinity, Iowa City – 2:00 pm
Revelation 7.9-17 | Psalm 130 | 1 Corinthians 15.20-26 | John 14.1-6
In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. [John 14:2 AV]
I knew that this was one of Tom’ s favorite passages in the Authorized Version. Or maybe I was just imagining this scene: “Tom, Welcome to heaven!” “Thanks. Which one is my mansion?”
But of course that’s silly!
Actually, the Authorized Version is not quite right in the translation “mansions.” The Greek(*) is a simple word that has the general meaning of “dwelling,” “room,” “abode,” “home” – and so what Jesus is saying here is basically “In my Father’s realm there’s a place for everyone.” And that’s good news! And whatever our image of heaven may be, the one most important thing to say and to believe is that we shall be with the Lord.
Like most of us, Tom began his ordained ministry as a parish priest. That was before I knew him, although some of you may remember. But a parish is not the only way to minister in Christ’s name (though not always overtly!), and Tom acquired additional skills in pastoral care (though that’s not what the University of Iowa calls it!) and he served for many years beyond the formal church organization in Child Health for the State of Iowa. But as he began that ministry the church organization remained important to him, and he also returned to this his home parish as a Priest Associate. (That’s also a good ministry: you get to do what you like to do, maybe even are good at, but don’t have to go to vestry meetings!) And then beyond ministry in this parish were the manifold opportunities to serve as a guest or supply priest in congregations large and small around much of the Diocese of Iowa. And some of you know and remember his ministry in your parishes well.
At the heart of the ministry of the priesthood there are I think two things: Proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ and teaching faith in him; and celebrating the Sacraments of God’s grace. I suspect we have all had the experience of sitting in church in worship and hearing the Scriptures read, and saying to ourselves, “I wonder what that was all about!” One of the blessings Tom often shared with us was to introduce the Scripture readings by setting some historical or theological context, so that when the passage was then read, we were able to say, “Oh, that’s what that was all about!” One of Tom’s gifts to this parish and to many parishes throughout the Diocese!
Tom was a very dear friend of mine and mentor during the many many years we shared as Priests Associate in this parish. Wendy and I will miss him immensely, but in full confidence that in due course we shall see him again with the Lord. “Well done, thou good and faithful servant! That’s your mansion right over there…!”
And now, O Lord, have mercy upon us. Thanks be to God. Amen.
(*) pl monai, sg monê
