Eagle

Scout; Firefighter; US Marine; friend; comrade; son; brother; husband; dad. Shannon, you told me that you and Chris got married knowing that you might
He has lots of titles and he has had many roles but, today, we have gathered to have to face this day, and that honesty and commitment will give you strength in
celebrate the life of Chris Slutman, to give thanks for his devotion to family, the years to come. What did you say to the girls? “We have to make good
friends, and colleagues, and his dedication to his country. choices.” And you will continue to nurture them to continue to make good
choices.
Afghanistan is a difficult place; I know so, because before coming to New York I
worked at Exeter Cathedral in Devon, England, the county where the Royal McKenna, Kenley, Weslynn – your daddy loved you very much and he still loves
Marines are based. While I was there I had the privilege and yet agonizing task you, and now he is with God waiting for the day when you will all be reunited
of organizing the homecoming services for those returning from deployment in again. You are family and your mom will do her very best to care for you just as
Helmand Province. One awful year, 52 marines and soldiers didn’t come back. your daddy used to do with her.

Last week, Notre Dame Cathedral was devastated in a terrible fire and I found Shannon, you crammed a lot into your 16 years of married life – far more than
myself, again, remembering the small city of Exeter and thinking about the many people can achieve in 30. I have no words that can be of real comfort
firefighters who used to come several times a year to practice what they would today except to remind you of the faith that you and Chris shared – a faith that
do if the great medieval roof of their own cathedral burned in the same way. says that good will always triumph over evil, that death is not the end. Writing
to the Ephesians, Paul uses the imagery of a soldier’s equipment to describe the
Firefighters and Marines know only too well that their dedication and response battle against evil and injustice in the world: “Put on the whole armor of God,” he
to those in need will put them in harm’s way. Yet, they accept the call willingly. said. You described Chris to me as your biggest champion – your cheerleader; of
Now, I am not so stupid as to think that it is easy and that it is never frightening – all the things that you have shared with me so far, the word integrity shines out
I’ve never met a soldier or sailor or firefighter who was that complacent – but of all the memories – I think he understood what Paul meant when he said “put
Chris clearly exemplified that call of duty which he had shared with his father, on the breastplate of righteousness.” You said that he always felt at peace when
his grandfather, and brother – all firefighters themselves. he was in Church – and now he is truly at peace, though I am sure that if St. Peter
is looking for volunteers in heaven to do some hard work, Chris will be at the
front of the line.

I cannot imagine the aching void and the agony of knowing that on this very day, The great spiritual writer, Henri Nouwen, reflecting on peace-making once said:
he could have been on a transport coming home to you. Shannon – everyone “We cannot love issues, but we can love people, and the love of people reveals to us
here is so sorry for your loss. At the same time, all those gathered in this church the way to deal with issues.” I think many of you here in this church live that
and the thousands outside bear witness to his dedication and courage. You said reality in your everyday lives; so, thank you. Thank you for all you give. Thank
that he would be perplexed and embarrassed by all this fuss and that says a lot you for caring. Thank you for trying to make a difference. Thank you for loving
about his humility – a quality I wish was more evident in our world today. With people rather than simply dealing with issues.
some of Chris’ character and faith, there might be less violence, terror, and
injustice in our world. This man of faith, however, gave his all as he had always In our Gospel reading, Jesus talks about not hiding your light under a bushel
done – as firefighter and as US marine – as husband and as father. basket but allowing it to light up the whole house. Of course, Jesus is not talking
about the light that might endanger a marine or his company in the line of duty,
Just to the left of the pulpit is this church’s memorial to those who died on 9/11 but the kind of light that shines from good works and faith in God. The kind of
here in New York – quite a number from this church, and those who died from light that shone out of Chris in his many simple acts of compassion, kindness,
the Commonwealth of Nations. Under the cross and the memorial inscription and care for others. My friends, let us leave this place resolved to do the same in
are a few words from a letter by Queen Elizabeth II read at its dedication. I find a troubled world.
those words deeply poignant today. “Grief,” she said, “is the price we pay for
love.” Jesus said, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works
and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
In a little while we will have an act of remembrance for all who have died in war
or terrorist attack and those who have died keeping people safe. In the silence, May he rest in peace and rise in glory. Amen.
our memories will be entwined for a brief moment. We will grieve again, but our
grief will be tempered by the very love that makes us want to remember. (Seeds of Hope, p.172).