Next week also sees the cremation of the deceased King of Thailand, King Bhumibol, who died a year ago. He was the Thais' beloved King, the father of their nation. In traditional Thai belief, the King has divine status. Buddhist cosmology features a universe with the existence of heaven and hell. The universe comprises of the centre, which is Mount Sumeru, surrounded by Mount Sattaboripan, the ocean and four continents where people live. The highest place is heaven where deities stay. It is believed the King comes to the earth for the sake of the world's peace. When he dies, he returns to Mount Sumeru from where he came, the centre of the universe. This centre of the universe is an abode of gods and spirits. The King's cremation is fashioned around this belief.
So the King's cremation is quite a journey. Mine might seem far away to an exotic place that speaks of possible danger and adventure but it is nowhere near as final or complete.
Teresa of Avila's last words to her Sisters on her death were - It is time to walk. She was definitely a woman of action, a woman on the move, doing great things for Church and humanity.
What is for sure is that we are all in transition. Nowhere here is permanent. We are all on the move. In the words of St Paul, the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now (and continues to do so).
So see you after Beirut. I will see what happens.
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