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The Anglican Church in Tasmania Search |
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a healthy church...transformingLIFE |
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The funeral of Timothy Leigh Hawkins |
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All Saints' Day at St David's Cathedral, Hobart |
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Tim Hawkins was killed in the
bombings at Bali |
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Words delivered at the service by Stuart Blackler |
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IntroductoryToday's Order of Service describes this as a celebration of the life of Timothy Leigh Hawkins - and so it is. We shall hear from Tom Payne, Tom Edwards and Justin Siers something of Tim's life, achievements and special qualities as a person. In all of that, there is much to celebrate. On the floral tribute from the Government and People of Tasmania the Premier has written: Fond memories of a fine young man who during his all too short lifetime epitomised the very best of Tasmanian and indeed Australian youth. Much to celebrate but, in those words, 'his all too short lifetime' the Premier reminds us all that there is more to it all than a cause for celebration. The wanton destruction and damage to the lives of young people innocently doing nothing more sinister than enjoying themselves can be treated with nothing less than disgust, revulsion and anger and strengthens our resolve to achieve peace. One of those denied that peace was Tim and we grieve profoundly to the very depths of our being for what was done to him. None, of course, grieve more than Judy, Steve, Belinda and Stephen whose loss has touched us all, and whose dignity in that loss has earned such admiration and respect. We acknowledge their generosity in allowing us to be with them on this saddest of their days as they farewell their deeply loved son and brother and assure them that they are surrounded by the profoundly felt love of us all. At the same time, I am bold to speak on their behalf in thanking you all for being here and acknowledge the presence of Lady Green, who is also here on behalf of His Excellency the Governor who is unable to be present, the Premier and Mrs Bacon and other community leaders and representatives. Their presence and yours is a sign of how much we feel for Tim's family and closest friends at this pitch black time in their lives and also in the history of this State and nation. There was another young man brimful of love whose image is before us and whose life enlivens this sacred space. He was close to Tim's age when his life ended through a violent act. That young man of Nazareth said: I am the resurrection, and I am the life; John 11:25,26 He also said: Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Matthew 5:4 |
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AddressThose in the Celtic tradition know very well what is called 'the chaim': a circle forged in love and faith, reassuring and protecting. I want to suggest that wherever you are together we make a chaim or series of chaims today. At its centre is Tim. He is our focus as we thank God for him and commend him on a river of love, knowing that he is OK and that love at the heart of things will never let him go. Then there is a circle forged in love and decorated by memories. A circle of his family and dearest friends for whom his presence in their hearts is firm and strong, but whose absence is painful beyond comprehension. But around Tim there is that circle, unbroken and beautiful in its unity, keeping hope within and doubt without. There is a further and wider circle of friends and that community of which Tim was an important part. All the lives in this circle have been assaulted by what occurred in Bali and cannot but be devastated by the theft of what Tim could have come to be to enrich our living. Today is All Saints' Day and that is a celebration, too, a celebration of a wider circle, a multitude which no one can number, a communion of which Tim is now more a part than ever, as shall be prayed in our final commendation. There is another circle of protection in what the Letter to the Hebrews describes as 'a great cloud of witnesses' encircling us all. Each of these circles, is forged in love. All our loving is a reflection of and sharing in that love which will not let us go, a love which not even death can destroy, the love which flowed from the cross in the life and continuing being of the young man from Nazareth. That love and those circles are more powerful than any evil which for its own ends treats the innocent lives of others with contempt. Such evil damages and hurts and breaks hearts. But the human spirit bound by love is stronger and indeed strengthened by wicked actions. Today, is a day of tears as we see that damage, of letting go but holding on, of bursting joy in life well lived, and of overwhelming sadness as we experience the separation. Circle us Lord Circle us Lord Circle us Lord Circle us Lord Rest eternal grant unto him,
O Lord, Amen
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