We like to think that death is the end. We like to think that death has a kind of “finality” to it. Biologically speaking, we are all correct in this assumption, as th moment of death is the moment by which the bodily processes cease to function, when the fluids refuse to run, and by which the heart ends its beating.
But we are fools if our belief of death remains purely in the biological and in the mortal. Death may be biologicaly final, but as Bosconians, there is something more than the biological. We are fools if we are unable to see beyond the functioning of the flesh and blood. And mark my words, we Bosconians are anything but fools.
Though the body may rot, though the flesh may decompose, though what was once dust will return to dust the “spirit” of the body, or more specifically, the “essence” of the body remains.
Such as memories. Memories eventually becomes intrinsic with the body. Though death erodes the body, memories remain. How many of us will reflect upon memories when beloved ones die? How many of us will speak of, look back at, and recall memories, such as a smile, or laughter? Or the moments which enticed these from us?
Or wisdom. Though the brain will cease to exist, the wisdom of men will remain. Why is it that we speak of great philosophers and their wisdom? Why do we still speak of the “wisdom” of Solomon even though we have never seen Solomon?
Or most especially, the soul. Of the things which might be included with the definition of the “essence” of man, the soul is the most important. It is from the soul that love springs. It is from the soul that bravery springs. It is from the soul that all the great qualities of man- compassion, mercy, charity, humility, among many others- spring.
Recently a distinguished and beloved man from DBTI recently passed away. The only thing I ask of you all, as we mourn the loss of the “physical” Vicente Racaza is that we recall the memories, celebrate his life, venerate his wisdom, and remember his soul.
It is rare that we see great men among us; It is even rarer that we get to experience their greateness, that we have memories to recall of them. And it is rarer still that we find greater man than them, that we find men who can even equal, musc less surpass, their wisdom and their love.
Together we mourn. Together, we pray. Together, we celebrate his life.
Amen, and goodbye, sir Racaza.
numbmusique 