Peter Kreeft tells us that in the Latin rite for the burial of an Austrian emperor, the people carry the corpse to the door of the great monastic church.

They strike the door and say: “Open.” The abbot inside says: “Who is there.”

“Emperor Karl, the king of…” The response from inside: “We know of no such person here.”

So the people strike the door again.

“Who is there?” asks the abbot. “Emperor Karl.”

“We know of no such person here.”

So they strike a third time.

“Who is there?” asks the abbot again. “Karl,” say the people. And the door is opened.

 Remember that all of us lose our titles when we die.  Don’t forget that fact. It can shape how you live your life now. Wishing you much love and much light.

 The Rev. David W. Key, director of the Baptist Studies Program, is involved in recruitment, admissions, student life, counseling, placement, and development functions for Emory University’s Candler School of Theology. He teaches in the Contextual Education program. He is the founding pastor of the Lake Oconee Community Church at Reynolds Plantation. Contact him at (404) 727-6350 or dkey@emory.edu. His column appears weekly in this space.