We welcome the family, loved ones, friends of Mike Meadows here to St Jude Catholic Church, his parish community, to celebrate his life and his entry into enteral life. Many family members and friends came from across the country to visit him and his family these past few weeks while he had been sick at St Dominic Hospital in Jackson. Many have come here today to St Jude for his funeral liturgy.
The Word of God speaks to us today - these readings have been chosen especially for his family to represent Mike and his life. I really love the reading from St Paul when Paul is reviewing his life and is able to say: I have competed well, I have fought the good fight - I have finished the race - I have kept the faith. Paul is able to say that the crown of righteousness awaits him, which the Lord will give him in the last judgment. Those of us who know Mike well know that has had quite a battle in the last 5 years with his health. There have been a lot of ups and downs for him during these years. When we look back at Mike’s life, we can see a man who had great love and devotion to his family and friends. He used to call his mom every Sunday night - he never missed that call. He loved his family so much - that was evident to anyone who knew Mike. Mike had a friendly, extroverted personality. He knew everyone and never met a stranger.
Here at St Jude - Mike will long be remembered for his devotion to the Knights of Columbus, especially in recruiting new members. Here in our parish of St Jude, if you were a man and not a member of the Knights, Mike would never relent in getting you to join. I literally saw him hunt men down after mass, not taking “no” for an answer. Mike felt so strongly in the brotherhood of that group. And have been involved in the Knights every year of my priesthood, I can tell you that our council of the Knights of Columbus is definitely a true brotherhood. One memory I will always have is the 4th degree ceremony that we went together here at St Jude. Mike and his son Matt joined me and many other men at our parish to become members of the 4th degree. Mike had wanted to become a 4th degree Knight for many years, but some sort of conflict always came up in his life. It was a great experience for all of us and I memory of Mike that I will always cherish.
At our other Knights of Columbus functions, especially the Friday fish fries during Lent, Mike was always there greeting people. He was a very loved member of our parish community. Another thing that always stood out about Mike was that he was always looking out for the well-being of others. Even when he wasn’t feeling well himself, he was always looking to help the other person, helping someone in need. Like Irish priests here in our Diocese, if Mike wasn’t giving you a hard time, you knew he was mad at you. This was part of his outgoing personality.
Mike was also very patriotic and very proud of his service to country in the US military. He was very loyal to his Marine friends; he had a lot of long, devoted friendships with them. They would do anything for each other. He loved getting together with Marine friends and their families, going on vacations and trips.
In our Catholic prayers for the repose of the souls of the faithful departed, it states that the ties and bonds of affection and love that we knit together with family and friends during our lifetime do not end with an earthly death - they still remain. Mike’s spirit will live on in many ways.
In the 23rd psalm, it states that the Lord is our shepherd who leads us and guides us through life. At the end of life, the Lord is there to lead us to a pool of life giving waters. The Lord was truly the good shepherd of Mike’s life. The good shepherd is there for Mike leading him to eternal life with him.
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