Thoughts to consider from "Sirach 22:11-12 (CEB) = 11 Weep for the dead,
for they have left the light behind;
and weep for fools,
for they have
left understanding behind.
Weep sweetly over the dead,
because they are at rest,
but the life of a fool is worse
than death.
12 Mourn for the dead for seven days,
but mourn for the foolish and the ungodly all the days of their lives."
&
"Sirach 38:16-23 (CEB)= 16 My child, let your tears flow for the dead;
as one who is suffering terribly,
give voice to your sorrow.
Lay out their bodies in accordance
with their wishes,
and don’t neglect their burial.
17 Let your crying be bitter
and express your sorrow fervently,
and make your mourning
worthy of them.
Mourn for one day or two
so that there can be no criticism,
and then be comforted from your grief.
18 Too much grief can lead to death,
and grief in one’s heart
will sap one’s strength.
19 Grief also lingers in misery,
and the life of the poor
is a curse upon the heart.
20 Don’t give your heart over to grief;
stay away from it,
remembering your own end.
21 Don’t forget that there’s no coming back;
you won’t do them any good,
and you will hurt yourself.
22 Remember their sentence,
because it’s yours also:
“Yesterday it was I, and today it’s you!”
23 When the dead are at rest,
put their memory to rest,
and be comforted for them
when their spirit has left."
