It's a mix of sermon and memory, actually. The eulogy is brilliantly structured around John 's own apology -- which is the only reason I was interested in hearing it -- woven with memories that show their deep love for each other. John refers to the role Joe played in helping John find his way to God.

John also added a brief call for repentance at the end -- encouraging people to avoid the lure of becoming the proud, elder brother John himself felt he had become during Joe's life. This emphasis on repentance is consistent with Joe's own life. My sister Marcia, once Joe's student in high school, recalled to me earlier this morning that Joe believed no choir service should be given without an invitation.

Finally, John concludes his eulogy with a few verses from the book of I Samuel, comparing his love for Joseph to that of the love shared between David and Jonathan.

As I edited with the original cassette tape, I became aware that since the men were twins, I was listening to a voice that sounded hauntingly like Joe himself. Having read Joe's Master's Thesis, written at the end of his studies at Kent State University, I recognized Joe's apostolic vision within John's eulogy.

John was just five years away from his own crossing when he delivered this sermon.