They are signs that point to something larger than themselves. The lunch box with Siemper Fie emblazed on its lid speaks of the hope of sustenance and the power of belonging. Old Marines know what monastics discovered long ago- there is a brotherhood that forms when you face the powers and principalities and still hold fast to your vows; a brotherhood that endures - blood relations forged by fire, not by birth. Paul's epistle is far more than iron gall ink scratched on a parchment made from the skin of sheep. It is a testament to the power of the blood of Christ, the shepherd of our souls. Paul's letter blazes with words that point to a greater light, with phrases that promise life eternal and proclaim the Author of our salvation.

These three exhibits illustrate the different between surface and substance, how value is more than the cost of the raw materials that make up the container, the letter, or the man. Metal boxes rust, parchment crumbles and all we go down to the dust.

But love is that invisible, intangible force that calls us into life, holds us fast no matter what, and raises us up in the end. The love between Birdie and Mary began a long time ago, and it continues- for love is stronger than death. The love that Birdie and Mary expressed to their children and taught by word and deed has illuminated decades with a light that does not diminish when shadows gather. The warm glow of friendship shared with so many still dwells in the stories we can tell.

And the life that gives light to all lives- the life of Christ- shines even at the grave; perhaps most strongly at the grave. Picture the stone rolled away from the tomb that first Easter and the powers that attempted to corrupt and destroy the creatures of God fallen and cowering as the resurrected Christ emerged. Christ triumphant, not for His own sake, but for ours. Because he has risen so shall we. So shall Birdie and all the faithful who have gone before us. This is why, even with tears on our faces, we can stand at a grave and sing Alleluia.

It is hard to no longer see a person whom we love. It is appropriate to grieve. And it is important to stand together on the sure foundation that is provided by faith. And so we say the words and sing the songs that millions have said and sung before us. We break the bread and pour the wine that have been broken and poured out for us for over two thousand years. We honor the life of Birdie Partridge in the context of God who made all things, loves all people, and prepares a place for us to go that is out of this world. A place with many rooms, space enough for many lunches, for those who hunger for righteousness and know what it means to serve, and time enough to proclaim the glory of God, the lover of souls, who loses nothing that is His. AMEN.