Julia Cole Kneissl Funeral Homily

JULIA COLE KNEISSL - CROSSING THE BORDER​

    In her book Crossing the Border Into Old Age, Julia wrote about the life changing experiences of baby boomers. Her message for all of us is that different generations would have their own challenges “and yet rich with opportunities, to grow with the opportunity to reinvent oneself as circumstances change.” (2)
    I imagine Julia lived by her own wisdom. For her, the Book of Sirach (6: 14-17) in the Hebrew Bible bolstered her perceptions. The passage teaches that authentic friendship, rooted in reverence for God, can be a form of spiritual medicine that protects against isolation and moral weakness.
    The wisdom contained in that biblical book was reflected in Julia’s very being — living an ethical life, giving out practical advice, and treasuring the consolation of friends and family in time of her own needs. 
    It appears that Julia never wandered away from her various callings whether caring for her family, her students, clients, patients or perfect strangers. 
    Undaunted by life’s challenges she took comfort in the image of God as a shepherd (Psalm 23) who provides guidance and protection throughout life’s journeys. She believed the words addressed to God in one of her national anthems: “from dissension, envy, hate and corruption guard our state.”
    Life we know does not always lead us along smooth paths. It cannot be overlooked that many people today are not living with dignity or respect. Many are fearful of not being able to handle new challenges in their lives. Julia was committed to helping people find their way. 
    The first century Corinthian church experienced similar problems. The citizens were polarized, they were conflicted about who should be their leaders, and they had questions about living out their faith in a city with so many distractions and influences.
    According to the first letter to the Corinthians (13:8-10, 12-13) Paul spoke of the enduring nature of love as a way to alleviate the problems in Corinth. Loving kindness and the quest for unity never fails, he wrote, even when everything else seems not to work. I think Julia liked that message.
    I do not know for sure but in her life’s work Julia appeared to resonate somehow with the Maori culture that gave birth to Julia’s New Zealand homeland — a city called Dunedin. That heritage is rooted in respecting what is sacred, caring for the community, and protecting the relationships between people and their environment. The Christian gospels call us to the same sacred duty.
    Today’s gospel (Matthew 5:13-16) reiterates the responsibilities we have as Christians. Using the metaphors of salt and light, for the preservation of the world, Jesus nudges his followers in these ways.         
    Live so that your good deeds will be visible to others and never hidden. Jesus said you ARE the salt of the earth but be careful not to lose your flavor. Julia was listening.
    And then Jesus told his followers they were to be bright lights in the world! The Greek translation of the “world” is cosmos, often a reference to to the ever evolving but uncertainty of human nature. That is why Jesus said again, you ARE the light of the world so to dispel evil works. Julia, answered this call.
    Throughout her life, sustained by her grasp of biblical messages, Julia was interested in helping people look “outside the box” especially when experiencing age related issues. She wrote, spoke and counseled others about crossing the borders into new lands of opportunities. It was a message for all generations.
    Julia has now crossed over yet another boundary into an eternal phase of life that most likely, will be full of serendipity. While on this planet Julia worked hard to provide her family, friends and strangers a sampling of the kingdom of God here on earth. Now she herself, in her own words, is “reinvented” once again. This time forever. May her memory be a blessing.
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