Why would somebody put a large spray of flowers at the cemetery in the shape of a horseshoe? This is what was going through my mind earlier today when I went by the cemetery to pay respects to my dad (It is Father's Day after all). But I saw it there on a tripod stand, a horseshoe made of all white flowers - carnations I think. It stood about three feet tall. It was lovely, to be sure. But I couldn't help but puzzle over its meaning.
I wondered, "Was this person a big fan of the Indianapolis Colts?" That would sort of make sense. Perhaps he (or she) loved horses and bred them on a farm. Maybe the person was nick-named Lucky. I confess, I was baffled - and still am.
You see, the first thing that pops into my feverish brain when I see a horseshoe is "Luck" or "Good Luck." And that is what didn't seem to fit. If a person has passed from this life to enter the next, is that the message you want to send? If I understand my Bible correctly, going to heaven shouldn't have anything to do with luck at all. It's all about grace! And if you have to wish someone good luck as he prepares to face the Judge of all judges, it might be a little late.
The message: Let's all make sure that we know for sure where we're going when we die. If you think that's not possible, let me refer you to the words of St. John in his first epistle: "These things have I written unto you who believe on the name of the Son of God, that you MAY KNOW that you have eternal life."
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