The last tribute that we are called to pay to a loved one as Africans and Cameroonians in particular is a memorable act which in addition to honouring the deceased, also honours the memory of the ancestors. But how many are still aware of this? We only have to see the multiple slippages of funeral vigils and traditional rites to make the sad observation that the satisfaction of evil pleasure has taken precedence over the sacred.
Anything that falls outside the framework of true contemplation is likely not only to prevent appropriation but also the taking advantage of the multiple benefits provided by a sacred act that even human hypocrisy cannot compromise.
We can combine piety and festivities without falling into a moribund extravagance resulting from a succession of pernicious acts going against the good intentions and morals advocated by a true traditional rite. Each participant in a funeral must make their presence a moment of prayer for the rest of the soul of the deceased instead of letting themselves be carried away by the envious and greedy spirit which marks the course of funeral ceremonies. Instead of meditating on their life and that of the deceased so that their prayer is as useful for them as for the one who is no longer, the presence of some is motivated solely by second-order priorities, namely: ogling everything that was bought, what will be served during the snack or even estimate the price of the deceased's coffin, etc.
When they remain in a spirit of sincere fraternal communion, these reactions are good; but since they are very often driven by hypocritical and disproportionate desires, they can only be at the service of the unhealthy double game which consists of giving the appearance of piety when, deep down, it is carelessness. , indifference, intolerance and jealousy.
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Instead of worrying about trivialities, people should rather ask themselves what God or their ancestors expect of them through these moments of sadness staged by traditional rites as important for the deceased as for all those who attend his funeral. For me, what is the meaning of the mourning I am witnessing? If the motivation is purely carnal, it is a useless waste of time.
Families are entangled in sordid stories. Instead of taking these moments as moments of personal conversion or sincere penance, they prefer to remain at the risk of their lives in their old habits which never produce anything good. Funeral rites are infested with hypocrisy. Not that the rites are bad in themselves, but it is the men who, through their lack of sincerity, give a bad image to a culture of which they claim to be the ambassadors. Who are we laughing at? From others, from ourselves or from ancestors?
While it is not bad to drink and eat even too much if necessary, it is above all preferable to honour our ancestors by making firm resolutions which will truly contribute to the spread of peace in our families and in those of those who honour us with their presence. Life is not just about eating and drinking to show others what we are able for. Above all, it is our ability to do everything possible so that each of the participants returns home with a satisfying and sincere message of hope as a thank you for the love they have shown us, even if only through their presence.
Anyone who has the means to hold grandiose ceremonies should not deprive themselves if that is really what they want to do. But let him never forget that his initiative must be an act of love in honour of his ancestors, and not an opportunity to show off. And even if we must show off what we are able to, we must do so in the dignity of the children of God, that is to say, be true in everything we do so that those who rest in peace and who are part of our lineage have reason to be proud of us.
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