We've Suffered a Tremendous Loss

18,470. That's how many days my brother was on this Earth. Today he was reunited with my parents, grandparents, uncle, and other relatives. For over 14 years he's fought cancer with all he had, even having gone into remission for a few years. While I will feel his loss for the rest of my days I find peace in the fact that he is no longer having to battle cancer, that he's out of pain, and reunited with my parents. We love you, Scott. Rest well.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. May almighty God bless us with his peace and strength, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Lord Jesus Christ, as you stood by the bed of good Saint Joseph and gently led him home to heaven, so shepherd every soul about to die to a paradise of perfect peace. Let the tears we shed upon their passing stand witness to our love for them and the depth of our thanksgiving for the gift of their lives and the grace of a good death. For you are Lord, forever and ever. Amen.

In this moment of sorrow
the Lord is in our midst and comforts us with his word:
Blessed are the sorrowful; they shall be consoled.
Prayer of commendation for those near death.

In the name of the Father, + and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
I commend you, my dear brother, to Almighty God,
and entrust you to our Creator.
May you return to him who formed you from the dust of the earth.
May holy Mary, the angels, and all the saints
come to meet you as you go forth from this life.
May Christ who was crucified for you bring you freedom and peace.
May Christ who died for you admit you into his garden of paradise.
May Christ, the true Shepherd, acknowledge you as one of his flock.
May he forgive all your sins, and set you among those he has chosen.
Amen.

Saints of God come to his aid!
Hasten to meet him angels of the Lord.
With God there is mercy and fullness of redemption;
let us pray as Jesus taught us:
Our Father
Who art in heaven
Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come
Thy will be done
On Earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread
And forgive us our trespasses
As we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever.

23rd Psalm
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteous-ness For His name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil;
For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life;
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.