Sadness and hope in death and life

I snapped this image just as the sad news came through about the Queen's death on the BBC. Just like the camera man, I couldn't resist the combination of sad flag at half mast and the hopeful image of a rainbow.

I took my first Scottish funeral this afternoon, and this was the prayer directed towards another tiny old lady in her 90s. It is part of the Scottish Episcopalian prayer book liturgy, and quite touching.


Go forth upon your journey from this world, dear child of God,
into the hands of the Father who made you,
to find life in Christ who redeemed you.
to rejoice in the Spirit who renews you.
May the heavenly host sustain you
and the company of the redeemed enfold you;
may peace be yours this day,
and the heavenly city your home.
Amen