A Homily for the Celebration of the Life of Judi Marr

A homily preached with the people of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Oakland, California on the occasion of the Celebration of the Life of Judi Marr.

“No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. We know that we live in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit.” 1 John4:12-13

These words from John’s letter are the ones that Judi’s family wanted to highlight, in particular, because they “represent Judi’s essence of how she sees other people. “

I think that any of us who knew Judi would agree, she did indeed show forth the love of God in her smile and the way she welcomed you right into conversation. And, that she saw the love of God in all those she met; that was clear. 

I think it was probably because of this; because of the way Judi just rested in God so comfortably, that I was really surprised to learn not long after I joined St. John’s that she hadn’t been a member for decades!  

Judi’s daughter Dawn told me the story of when Judi first came to this place, 2018 — to be there for Dawn’s send-off to mission in Uganda. When Dawn and Judi got in the car after the service, Judi started crying and Dawn asked what was wrong. And she said, “I finally found my church.” Oh, were we blessed that she found us.

Judi was just knit so tightly into this community. Knit into this community of love.  

New Testament scholar Jaime Clark-Skoles notes that John’s First letter “appears to be the most expansive and universal of all New Testament literature”1 “Everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.” Everyone who loves knows God. God is love. Simple as that. Profound as that.

You will hear in just a few moments from Judi’s family how well Judi loved. And how well she was loved. In other words, how well she knew, and knows God.

This is a sad time for our parish and for all of Judi’s friends and family, there is no doubt. But do remember we are gathered here for an Easter celebration. Because we are an Easter people. A people who believe in resurrection. A people who believe in eternal life.

So let us be sad. Let us grieve. Let us support and hold one another up. Let us be inspired by Judi, and love one another fiercely. And, let us celebrate this life lived deeply in love; in God. Let us celebrate this promised eternal life.

1 Fortress Commentary on the Bible: The New Testament, “1, 2, 3 John”