Homily for funeral of Tom Roeser, Chicago radio host and columnist
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Fr. Peter Armenio
(Tom Roeser was a well-respected pro-life and conservative political spokesperson, and a Catholic, in the Chicago area who died recently.)
Homily Summary: This is a bittersweet occasion of grace. We feel sorrow. Jesus wept for Lazarus. But death is a gateway to a greater life. In the Latin chants today we hear the word fear, which is a gift of the Holy Spirit. Tom had fear, not of Jesus as judge. This fear has nothing to do with being afraid of God. It’s an attitude that speaks of prayer, of a life of service to others.
Some time ago, Tom asked Fr. Peter to do his funeral. Death brings us to a halting stop. We must live according to our mission statement, so to speak. Fr. Peter met Tom at a pro-life event in the Chicago area twenty years ago. He said that he wanted to spend the rest of his life pushing the cause of life. Tom used his position as a radio talk show host, a journalist, as one involved in politics, as a platform to push for the right to life.
He wanted to bring others closer to Christ. When he would meet with friends, he would begin talking politics, then segue to more important Catholic issues. He wasn’t a warm and fuzzy guy. His eye was on the personal interview with the merciful judge, Christ, which we will all have.
We must fill our gift of life with deeds of faith, deeds of love. When Fr. Peter entered the hospital room to visit Tom, he said, “This is it, Father. I’m leaving.” Thus he expected death.
Our joy is centered on the resurrection. Steps to the resurrection are vertical — prayer, the Eucharist, and the rosary. The other steps are horizontal — to see Christ in others, make good use of time, to speak the truth, and sometimes correct others. To use our talents to promote the cause of life.
Today’s event could be an occasion of great conversion.