"THE AUGUSTINIAN" December 2002

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Excerpts from the Funeral Homily given by the Augustinian Provincial,
Fr Pat Fahey

Fr Thomas Mescall osa 30 June 1929 to 22 October 2002 RIP

The reason why so many of us are here today is that we knew and loved Tom - brother, friend, confidante, spiritual guide - you name it. He was something special to each one of us. At the Vigil of Prayer and Memories which was held here last evening tribute was paid to the Tom each one of us knew. He was, as the Irish say, "a mighty man", or as the Aussies say, "a lovely bloke".

This morning, I wish only to comment on him in light of the readings - the word of God - which we have just heard. The first reading speaks of the relationship of God to his people. It is one of faithfulness. God is always faithful to us, and asks us to trust - to hope - in him. This is what Tom did.

Mention was made last evening of his immense ability to make friends. And to those friends he was loyal and true. But, in some way, Tom was a friend to everybody. Whether it was his ministry of teaching at Villanova, or his parish ministry in Cairns or here at Coorparoo, he always tried to serve after the example of Jesus

As Prior of Villanova, he welcomed all who came, and treated them with great kindness. Even during his last days in the community, he was like that. "Can I get you something?" he would ask, and then proceed to smother you with attention.

Service and forgiveness are the two great expressions of love. There wasn't enough Tom could do for people. Tom forgave people, too, and made excuses for them. Today, in this sacrifice of the Mass in which the once and for all sacrifice of Christ is made present to us again in the ancient Christian rituals, we commend our brother, Tom, to the God whom he loved and served. He rests in the "seventh day" of God's creation, which is the day of God's rest. He has gone to receive his reward for the service and love which he displayed during his life here on earth.

In Heaven But Still on Earth

Our Head about to ascent to heaven commended to us His members on earth. To Saul the persecutor He said from on high: "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?"

That is, I have ascended to heaven, but I still remain on earth; here I sit at the right hand of the Father, but there I still hunger, thirst and am a stranger. (Sermon on 1 John 10,9)

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