On the day of their wedding, Junior and Charity looked radiant like the morning sun. Their love for one another was like warm rays basking in each other’s embrace. They reflected the love of the Sun of God, Jesus Christ, on each other not only on that day but throughout their lives. Glowing in the Light that never goes out, they were sustained in their love for one another even though dark times. Life is but a flickering light that eventually gives out at death. But those who, like Junior, die in Christ, whom God raised from the dead, have the hope of the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting. Yes, Junior died after a hard-fought battle, and now we grieve his absence. He will be missed. But Junior died in Jesus’ loving embrace and now awaits a joyful reunion with his sweetheart and their beautiful children—fruits of their abiding Christlike love—at the resurrection of the dead. In that glorious reunion, they will see God face to face, and under His loving gaze will hug one another again. Jesus’ promise is Junior’s hope: “I am the resurrection and the light. Whoever believes in me, even though he die, yet shall he live.” We hold on to that promise even as we grieve. On behalf of the Sánchez family from St. Louis, Missouri, we send Charity, Patrick, and Cassidy, our warm and heartfelt Christian condolences. A big hug. Rev. Dr. Leopoldo A. Sánchez M. (the pastor who married Junior and Charity at First Immanuel Lutheran Church, San Jose, California).
