A BRAVE YOUNG MAN

JULY 2, 2006

In memory of Pfc. Kristian Menchaca, Bishop Raymundo J. Peña is offering the homily delivered at the funeral Mass on June 28 as this week’s column.

It is an honor for us to be here to commend to the Lord the soul of a young soldier who thought more of others than of himself. He showed devotion to duty, even when in danger. He reflected the best of American youth – the courage to stand for and fight for freedom. We are all proud of him. At the same time, we are one with the family, sharing in their grief at this hour of intense sadness. To his wife, his mother and the entire family, I extend the sympathy of the Church in the Valley, and of a grateful nation.

Kristian was a loving and caring husband and son. During his last home leave, he spent one week with his wife in Big Spring, and Mothers Day week with his mom. He loved her as much as she loved him. He was concerned about two things: did his mom approve of his recent marriage? -- She did, although she had not yet met his loving wife. Did she understand what it meant for him to be in the army? -- he explained that he would not be coming home as often as they all would like; he had made a commitment to his country, as a soldier now and as a Border Patrolman in the future. He promised that he would visit her when he was on leave or vacation and, if possible, on special days like Christmas and Mothers Day.

During his last visit home, although he enjoyed being with the family, he appeared to be a little nervous and pensive. He seemed to know that he would be in harm’s way, but he wanted to return to his unit to do the job that needed doing. That is what it means to be a soldier. There is bravado and heroism. There is the camaraderie which comes from men and women working together for something beyond them -- for peace, for freedom. Most of all, however, being a soldier means going beyond oneself, enduring heat and sand and whatever other obstacle, in order to achieve one’s goal.

To Kristian, or Kris as he was called by family and friends, being a soldier in today’s world meant that he volunteered to put himself in harm’s way, no matter where it might bring him. Sadly it brought him to Iraq, to a battle far away and too complicated to be easily understood.

News reports about the circumstances of Kris’ death in Iraq could lead us to an unholy rage and anger, but that would only dishonor Kristian’s very name and Kristian himself. In his honor, at this moment, we must, as he did, reach for the ideal: to work for peace and an end to conflict wherever we may find it – at home, on the streets or even in a foreign land.

Did those who took Kristian’s life know him? Did they know that this generous young man was there to serve and help people, and not to injure them? Did they know the enormous pride his family felt in him? Did they know how his presence brought happiness to his loved ones, whose lives will be forever affected by this senseless and brutal act? We don't know. Only God does. What we do know, however, is that this wonderful young man is with a merciful and loving Father who alone has the power to restore our shattered happiness and give us everlasting peace with him.

Today, we pray to that merciful and loving Father, who at another time sent his only Son, to a land not far from where Kristian died. There, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, also met a brutal death. He gave his life, so that we might have fullness of life, joy and peace. Our prayer is, first of all, for Kris. May the Lord receive him with joy in the everlasting Kingdom. The words of the Book of Wisdom may well apply to our brave young soldier. “In a short time, he came to the perfection of a full span of years. His soul was pleasing to the Lord, who removed him early from a wicked world.” (Wisdom 4:13-14).

We pray for peace in our land. Jesus left his peace, as his farewell gift to us, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.” he said, “Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid” (John 14:27). We pray for freedom from violence, freedom from gangs, and freedom from the troubling threat of terrorism.

We pray for peace in the Middle East, particularly in Iraq, and peace in Afghanistan so that our troops may soon come home to enjoy the freedoms which our land has cherished, for which our ancestors have fought and for which Kristian gave his life.

May Kristian, Thomas Tucker and David Babineau rest in peace.

+Bishop Raymundo J. Peña

last updated 05-Jun-2008 9:48 sitemap