February 3rd, a belated remembrance of the feast day of Deacon By Rudophi

On February 3rd of last year, my classmate, friend, mentor, Byron

Rudolphi passed from this life into the fullness of God's life. He is a very good and holy man. By spoke and lived the gospel whether it was in professional life as a doctor of dentistry, the loving husband of his wife, Ellen, and father to his children. By's  great gift of being coolheaded and a deep thinker helped hotheads like myself see all the sides to an issue. His devotion to the presence of God in his family, his patients, and to the people he served as a Deacon is exemplary. 'Twas a sad day for us and a joyous day in heaven when By passed from this life to eternal life. His is a presence that will always be felt by me till, hopefully, I join him.

God of mercy,

You gave us By to proclaim the riches of Christ

through the Word of God

and in service to all of God’s children,

particularly to the poor, the despised, and the hopeless.

By the help of his prayers

may we grow in knowledge of you,

be eager to do good,

and learn to walk before you

by living the truth of the gospel.

Grant this through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and brother,

who lives and reigns with you, and the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever. Amen.