July 31, 2002: Funer of Lavene Beanie Koch

Father Owen's Homilies

Homily for the Funeral of Lavene “Beanie” Koch at Sts. Peter and Paul’s Church, Seneca, KS, July 31, 2002

Surely the author of the Book of Wisdom knew, life and death. This knowledge shines forth in our first reading. The author says: “The souls of the just are in the hands of God ...” Certainly we believe that. We can reflect the author’s sentiments in later verses, “…their passing was thought an affliction.” We think of our own pain at their passing. We can feel the loss of Beanie a “destruction” as well if we so chose! T he author consoles us in another verse, “But they are in peace.” Beanie Koch is in peace. We follow the advice of Paul writing to the Thessalonians, “Console one another with these words.” Paul presents us with a glorious picture. At the end of time our bodies will arise and we will greet one another, those friends, relatives, husbands and wives, those children who have gone before. A great time in the Fullness of the Kingdom of Love!

But that Kingdom begins on this earth. How and when does it begin? It begins when we attempt to live the Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It begins when we look in the face of cold and sometimes harsh reality. It begins when we begin to take the Beatitudes seriously.

I have heard from family and friends what a wonderful person Beanie was. She has been described as a great cook (no play on words), as being calm and understanding, one who loved cards, one who loved to travel, one who loved her profession as a nurse, a quilt maker and caretaker. She filled all of these roles because she looked at a debilitating illness, polycystic kidney disease, and refused to let it beat her down. Instead of wallowing in self-pity, she reached out to others. She did not allow the fact that dialysis would be a part of her life the last four and one half years of her life, and paralyze her. She rose above her illness. She shared her life with all of those who knew her. Beanie apparently knew what she wanted and went after a full life with loving vigor.

How could she do that? Because she lived the First Beatitude. We translate it sometimes as, “Blessed are the poor in spirit.” I like another translation, “Blessed are those who know their need for God.” It seems that Beanie knew her need for God. Knowing that need, she then was able to comfort those who mourned and able to face the inevitability of her disease. Certainly she was appreciated and certainly she will be missed.