Gathering the family where there are no tears, no suffering, no pain, no sadness. At this table of God there is a joyous celebration of eternal life. It is a victory party for which we can give thanks, even in the face of death and separation. St. Paul sees the image of a battle in which life wins. Of course death comes to us.
Death is a part of our lives, our living.
But Paul witnesses that death's power is only temporary. Ultimately, God's life has the last word. When it is all said and done, death is defeated, and though all die, God wins the victory through the Death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. For this victory, we can be thankful. And the wisdom of the Old Testament tells us that in our live journey there are times for all kinds of experiences.