Here is the text of the homily I prepared for the funeral we celebrated today. The story of this gentleman is not unlike ours, so these words should also provide us with food for thought.
Funeral Homily for Christopher Carroll
We have come this morning to celebrate the truth that all Christian Catholics know. We believe that Jesus died and rose again, and that it will be the same for those who have died in Jesus (1 Thes 4:14). This is the truth that our brother Christopher began to learn even as a very young child. He was born in Blackburn, England but at the age of 33 years he came to Canada. He brought with him all that he had learned and applied these lessons of faith in order to make a life for his family. After he had retired, he came to live here in Elliot Lake and this is where he spent the final days of his mortal life. For the past number of years, he has gathered in this place along with most of us in order to pray, to find comfort and consolation.
I met a few days ago with some of Christopher's children. They described the last month or so as a time of great questioning. It seems that the disease that racked his body was causing serious worry to all of those who are dear to him, but Christopher was always stoic about describing what he was feeling. We may never know whether that was part of his character or whether he chose to keep those worries away from those he loved for some other reason.
At times such as these, we are filled with questions but at times such as these, there are no answers for such questions. When no earthly reason seems to explain a truth to our hearts, we must turn to faith. Therefore our gathering here today is founded in the truth that we have come to know along with all other Christian Catholics. Only God knows the number of days that we are given to live our mortal lives, but we also know that when this earthly existence is done we will be reunited with our God. No length of days ever seems to be enough. Therefore it seems as though this virtuous person has died before his time ... length of days was not what made him honourable (Wis 4:7-8) but the fact that he is known and loved in the heart of God. This is what we are here to celebrate today for this day is Christopher's birthday in heaven.
In the days and weeks to come, many may continue to tell the stories that they remember about Christopher. As we do, let us look with eyes of faith at this man and at the life that he has lived. Ever since the time that Jesus walked on the earth, he has continually challenged us to be dressed for action ... to be ready for the master when he returns (Lk 12:35-36). Each day of our lives is another opportunity to prepare our hearts for that day when we too will meet the Lord. None of us knows exactly when that will be but we have the witness of all those who have come before us: thousands of martyrs, countless numbers of other faithful people and innumerable saints who have also struggled with human questions such as those we are asking right now.
Perhaps the best way that we can pay tribute to Christopher is to go from this place with the intention to tell others that he is now at Home with God. If we can do that, then we are already on the way understanding the truth that we all have a Home in heaven, and when we get there, we will see Christopher again, for we will all be gathered around the heavenly banquet table. Come then, let us receive the Eucharist at this celebration, a foreshadow of the wonderful gift that is awaiting us when we get Home.
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