Tragedy often gives us pause to reflect. Today, having attended the funeral of local police officer, I want to direct some thought to the good I saw standing around the whole scene…
I look out over a sea of blue and black – the dress uniforms of policeman gathered by the hundreds to show solidarity with one who has fallen in the line of duty. They are from a variety of backgrounds and places, but they have in common that they have studied, been accepted, and taken an oath to protect and to serve. Hundreds of thousands of man hours of training are represented in their presence; discipline like that of an army. They all carry firearms. It’s grim part of their commitment. Yet, as the mass of dignity and discipline silently stands at attention, there is also a sense of shared grief. A relatively small number of these officers even knew the one who has fallen, but all of them feel the sense of loss and sadness. One of their number has died, carrying out his duty. The procession is saluted. 3 volleys are fired. Taps is played. A corps of pipers plays “Amazing Grace.” Helicopters fly over, and one peels off to recognize how an officer has turn aside. The last radio dispatch for their comrade is called out – the “End of Watch.” There is no reply, and his last date of service is announced. “Control 68, you are clear to end your tour. May you rest in peace. We will take it from here,” the dispatcher says. Every person standing during the honors has been silent, but at this point the disciplined brotherhood of officers shed tears. They are dismissed from their ranks and turn to one another. Hugs, handshakes, words of encouragement. They will go back to their respective posts and continue to serve, with a heightened reason to be excellent at the difficult task they face. One does not come into the presence of such comradery without being moved by it. It was a humbling experience just to be there for something so significant.
There are pictures of what the Church should be like in that crowd. We come from a variety of backgrounds and places, but we have heard the good news of Jesus and made an oath of allegiance to Him. There is a different kind of discipline in this group, much like an army. We don spiritual armor and prepare ourselves to stand firm. Our only weapon is the truth of God’s word, and we have trained to be able to handle it in such a way that we won’t be ashamed. We, as a brotherhood, share the joys and sorrows of the whole. Even though we may not know one another deeply, we care for one another just because of what we have in common in Christ. Anytime one has turned aside, we resolve that “we will take it from here.” We hug, shake hands, and give words of encouragement. And after every gathering together, we go to our respective posts – our jobs, classes, streets, families and continue to serve with a heightened reason to be excellent for the sake of the One we serve.
All analogies break down at some point. Still, today I’m humbled and thanking God that I am permitted to be part of His big Brotherhood. It’s good to remember just how “big” it is! Let’s resolve to treat it with the same sense of wonder and devotion that was demonstrated by these fellow officers.