In this issue Professor James C. Stroud and Fr. One often reads that the God of the Old Testament was a God of wrath, while the God of the New Testament is a God of love. That this is a very distorted and false view of God is demonstrated by Dr. Frederick W. Marks in this issue of HPR . He shows that many themes that run through both testaments are the same mercy, love, forgiveness, election and so forth. He also points to what is new in the New Testament for example, the Sacraments, poverty and love of enemies.
Funeral celebrations are a ministry of consolation.
The priest is very much involved in consoling the mourners who are family members and friends. In this issue Fr. J. Anthony Meis , who has had extensive experience in burying the dead, offers some helpful suggestions to us priests on how to handle funeral Masses, vigils and the graveside prayers. He maintains that the presence and conduct of the priest makes a profound impression on the mourners and is a key factor in bringing them to accept God s will in the death of a loved one. He puts special emphasis on the importance of good music and singing.