Edward Moore Kennedy, R. I. P.

I knew him, not only as a powerful politician from afar, but also as a father cheering on his son's team at the elementary school track meet. A troubled man who struggled -- not always successfully -- to contain the demons of his own desires and the temptations of his own privilege in order to serve all humanity and especially the oppressed and outcast, he has truly run the race and won the victory.

Yet as he himself said when he lost his 1980 Presidential primary challenge to President Carter, "For me, a few hours ago, this campaign came to an end. For all those whose cares have been our concern, the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die."

Take up our quarrel with the foe!
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

Into thy hands, O merciful Father, we commend thy servant Teddy. Acknowledge, we humbly beseech thee, a sheep of thine own fold, a lamb of thine own flock, a sinner of thine own redeeming. Receive him into the arms of thy mercy, into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and into the glorious company of the saints in light. Amen.