Peter Maher – The “Come as you are” Priest

John Crothers

[s2If current_user_can(access_s2member_level2)]The last time I saw my friend Peter Maher was a week before he died. I visited him at Sydney’s Calvary Hospital, and had the privilege of spending the best part of an hour with him. He was still vibrant and engaged, despite his obvious discomfort and failing strength. He had not lost his mischievous smile or his quick retort. He knew his time was short, but he was at peace. 

He was pleased that his funeral Mass was going to take place at the church of St Thomas More at Brighton Le Sands. It was where he came to Mass in Sydney for the first time after his family moved from Wollongong. He remarked how fitting it would be for his last Mass to take place there.

He also mentioned how he had planned his funeral liturgy. “I’ve organised everything,” he said, with a note of satisfaction in his voice.

One of the things that Peter had organised for his funeral Mass was the hymn “Come as You Are.” It’s an extremely popular Catholic hymn, and is often sung at funerals. 

It’s not hard to see why Peter chose it. He was very much a “come as you are” sort of person. He had no guile, no pretence. What you saw with Peter was what you got. But perhaps more importantly, Peter had the ability to attract people to him “as they were.” His ministry to the marginalised is a testament to that fact. People came to him from all walks of life and they felt comfortable in his presence. 

He was also a wonderful host and loved inviting people for a meal. You were never quite sure who was going to turn up at the table.

Sadly, at Peter’s funeral, we didn’t hear the hymn “Come as you are.” It was deemed to be not suitable for the occasion. I can only guess that the Archbishop either balked at the fact that it is a folk-style hymn, or that he felt the words were inappropriate. 

Like many Catholics I have sung the hymn countless times and reflected often on the words. Here they are for your own reflection.

Come as you are, that’s how I want you
Come as you are, feel quite at home
Close to my heart, loved and forgiven
Come as you are, why stand alone

No need to fear, love sets no limits
No need to fear, love never ends
Don’t run away shamed and disheartened
Rest in my love, trust me again

I came to call sinners, not just the virtuous
I came to bring peace, not to condemn
Each time you fail to live by my promise
Why do you think I’d love you the less?

Come as you are, that’s how I love you
Come as you are, trust me again
Nothing can change the love that I bear you
All will be well, just come as you are

(Deirdre Browne)

If there is anything in these words that is not appropriate for a funeral Mass, I fail to see it. On the contrary, they give me inspiration and encouragement on my journey of faith, and I’m sure they did the same for Peter. Indeed, it is not hard to see why this hymn has resonated with so many Catholics over the years, particularly in difficult times.

But Peter’s situation is not unique. There is a broader question here about whether the personal preference of a bishop for a certain type of music should override the wishes of the priest who has died. Surely this is a conversation that should be had now, between the bishop and the clergy of the diocese. It should be an upfront and honest conversation so that everyone knows where they stand. It should not be left until the time of the funeral.

Most priests serve the Church faithfully over a long period of time. They rarely seek reward, or even recognition. As their health fails, they often plan the liturgy for their funeral, and choose hymns that reflect their own life and ministry.

It’s a simple request. Is it really too much to ask?[/s2If]