Episcopal Church Foundation Vestry Papers - for leading congregations

While driving outside of Boston on Tuesday morning, I heard the bad news: Rev. Peter Gomes had died.

I was saddened by the news, but I also knew that I was not mourning alone. Like thousands of people in the communities of Boston and Cambridge, I had met Peter Gomes during one of his many speaking engagements.

I met him very briefly more than six years ago while he was visiting a church where I was on the staff. Boston is full of famous people. And when I heard he was visiting the church, I was not deeply moved as I usually find famous people to be a great disappointment. However, I found Rev. Gomes was extremely approachable. He had a distinct air of sophistication but he was so friendly, very pleasant, and funny. And his sermon that evening was thought provoking and brilliant. I remember how he greeted the congregation, singing the praises of our Episcopal tradition that he loved, even as a Baptist minister.

I remember how when he moved through the crowd that evening, joy flowed in his wake. He was a minister whose presence spread the love of God. After meeting him, I bought a few of his books; I have not read one of them. But when I looked at the books on the shelf, I would smile and remember his laughter, how he spread joy, how eloquently he spoke and how he cut through the cynicism that often accompanied public ministers.

Rev. Gomes left behind more than a few books, lots of sermons, and even more lessons and memories. In Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians, the apostle said that his only credential as a minister was the people of the church, on whose hearts were written the good news of Jesus Christ. “You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, to be known and read by all; and you show that you are a letter of Christ, prepared by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God” (2 Cor 3:2-3).

In many ways, Rev. Gomes’ greatest legacy may be the sermons and teachings on the love of God that are now etched into many of our hearts. In an age of disappointment in our leaders, Rev. Gomes leaves us with an example of someone who inspires us to serve God with our hearts, souls and minds.

So, God, we pray to you for our brother and pastor Peter, and for all those whom we love but see no longer. Grant to them eternal rest. Let light perpetual shine upon them. May Peter’s soul and the souls of all the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.