For Someone Else
For a Grieving Friend
For when you feel: my friend lost someone, what do I say, comfort a friend
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort: Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we also may be able to comfort them who are in all distress, by the exhortation wherewith we also are exhorted by God.
The MinuteHomily
You've typed the text three times and deleted it three times, because nothing sounds right. Here's the freeing part: your assignment was never eloquence. Paul calls God "the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort," and describes comfort moving like a supply line, from God to you to your friend. You're a courier, not the source. Job's friends did their best work in seven silent days beside him; the trouble started when they began explaining. So sit close and say little. Trade "let me know if you need anything" for "I'm bringing dinner Thursday." And stay past the casseroles, because grief will still be living there in month three. Send this Moment to your friend if it helps. Better, deliver it with your presence attached.
By the MinuteHomily editors
A prayer for this moment
God of all comfort, comfort my friend through me. Give me presence more than words, faithfulness longer than the funeral, and Your mercy in my hands. Amen.
“We have loved them in life; let us not forget them in prayer.”
after St. Ambrose
Hymns for this moment
“Be Not Afraid” · Bob Dufford, SJ
“Eye Has Not Seen” · Marty Haugen
One small step
Don't ask "what do you need?" Pick something concrete and offer it with a date.
Share this moment
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