We Love to Paint Halos for the Dead

We love to paint halos for the dead, But those alive are often left in shadow. We need to honor the living more: Love them, care for them, shield them in the storm.

We are all but travelers, strangers on this earth. The day will come to leave this place, We do not know these dates upon the calendar, Yet life is lived so closely next to one another.

God gave us one commandment, singular— That we should love our neighbor with all our heart... But he loves strongest who has lost, Standing by the grave, bidding goodbye.

Why wait for that final hour to come, For tender feelings of love to overcome us? Christ Jesus has a grace for us— That we might love with a love so great,

To bear another's weakness without rage, Not hoard resentment in our hearts, To put ourselves in our neighbor's place, To understand and let bitterness release.

Lord Jesus, God of holy love, You are kind, merciful, and patient! Grant us zeal to show Your love, Give us the will, devotion, strength.