The Most Reverend Phillip Zimmerman, ThD RSJ

The Reformed Catholic Church 

Office of the Metropolitan Archbishop

 

November 3, 2007

Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary

 VENI, SANCTE SPIRITUS, ET EMITTE CAELITIS LUCIS TUAE RADIUM

Dearly Beloved in Christ,

 On this, the day we mark the passing of our brother in Christ Jesus

 Most Reverend Gordon Peter David Posthumus, OPJB

 

As we are reminded in Ecclesiastes, “there is a time for every purpose under heaven.  A time to weep, a time to laugh.” Now is a time of weeping for us. We cry because we feel the pain caused by the loss of the earthly presence of our brother. We are in a state of disbelief because we may have just recently have shared a conversation or a meal with him. Yet, we are reminded today that it is true… +Peter has left the community of Church Militant and is now among the saints, martyrs and angels that make up the community of Church Triumphant!

 Death is difficult not for those who pass through the veil that separates this world from our eternal reward, but for of us who are left behind. If we have no faith, no trust, no belief or understanding that there is something wonderful waiting for us, then death does seem so final, so empty, so meaningless.  Yet, our faith reminds us, time and again, that there is a wonderful home waiting for each of us when the number of our days is complete. 

 Through the grace and mercy of our Lord, Our brother +Gordon Peter David Posthumus’ days of pain and suffering and were mercifully numbered and he is now in the presence and loving embrace of our Lord, never to feel pain, suffering, separation or sorrow again.  Our faith in God assures us that all is well for our brother... I have a suspicion that he is keeping the saints rather engaged in deeply philosophical discussion!  For our brother, +Peter, it is a time to laugh and rejoice! He is safely home!

As +Peter served as the founding father of the Dominican Order of The Reformed Catholic Church, I want to share with you a prayer that was very special to him.

 

May God the Father who made us bless us.

May God the Son send his healing among us.

May God the Holy Spirit move within us and give us eyes to see with, ears to hear with, and hands that your work may be done.

May we walk and preach the word of God to all.

May the angel of Peace watch over us and lead us at last by God’s grace to the Kingdom.  Amen

Prayer of St. Dominic

 What a truly beautiful, moving and though provoking prayer. It is a prayer that, if we allow, calls our very soul into action through passion.   I believe that +Peter tried to live his life according to the passion that is shared in this prayer.  A deeply contemplative person, +Peter used his mind to learn, his eyes to see, his ears to hear, and his hands to work… He was a preacher, a teacher, a student, a worker, and a man on a journey. 

 During our many conversations, +Peter shared with me that he was clear about the destination of the journey, but he knew that the journey was not written. For him it was a journey that was exciting, frightening, sorrowful, joyful and purposeful.  It was a journey that was worth every emotion that he experienced, every tear that he shed, every smile that beamed and lit up his face, and every hand that he held. I wonder how many of us are truly willing to take time out of our busy days to stop, admire, and contemplate the beauty of the works of our God, even in the most unseemly places. What a blessing it would be for each of us, if we would open our hearts, minds and souls to this glorious gift of beauty.

 Our brother, +Peter, was dedicated to preaching the Gospel, making it both real and relevant in the lives of those to whom he ministered. He wanted people who were hurting or alone to know that God’s love was limitless and eternal – and theirs -- and that hatred and indifference has no real, lasting power. Hatred is nothing more than an illusion. It has no substance. It only gains those qualities if we grant it.   +Peter knew that love will always win out in the end.  As St. Paul reminds us, “in the end there are three things:  Faith, Hope and Love, and the greatest of these is love.” 1 Cor 13:13 +Peter knew this well.

 I know that +Peter did grieve bitterly for terrible losses in his life, some caused by his actions, mistakes and misunderstandings; some by the actions, mistakes and misunderstanding of others.  At times, the gulf between him and those whom he loved and care about seemed far too great to overcome. Perhaps, at certain times, the man of words had no words to convey his feelings.

As his illness progressed, +Peter became more of a living example of the Gospel, and asked for prayers for reconciliation and healing so that words needing to be heard, would be heard.  I would like to share some of those words with you.  “I tried to be a good man, a good father and a good friend. I wanted to be a good priest.  I know I fell short… I know I seemed cold, I know I hurt you, but I hope you know I always loved you.”  These were the last words he shared with me last Monday. I am sure that he wanted those words to be heard… I hope that you who have ears now hear these words.

 When we experience a loss, so many of us say, “God, I wish I had five minutes more.”  But what would we do if we were granted those five minutes?  Would we try to put to rest petty differences, reconcile with each other to end the pain caused by fear, misunderstanding, anger or indifference…  Or would we let those five minutes quietly pass into the void?  How would those five minutes affect the rest of our lives?  It is my prayer that we would make those five minutes seem to last an eternity! Perhaps they would prove to be the most important five minutes of our lives.

 We have each been blessed to know a man like Gordon Peter David Posthumus.  A scholar, a teacher, a husband, a partner, a priest, a father, a friend, a man who was on a journey!  Filled with questions, he is now filled with answers.

 He is at peace. 

 Eternal Rest grant unto +Peter, O Lord, and Let Your Perpetual Light Shine Upon Him!

  

VERITAS!

 

                            ++Phillip                 

++Phillip Zimmerman, SJ/RSJ

Metropolitan Archbishop