I’m going to deviate a bit from our normal format today. I’ve still got the link for today’s readings at the bottom of this post. Today is the Feast of Mary, Mother of the Church, which was proclaimed by Pope Francis as the day after Pentecost each year. I want to take a moment , though, to ruminate on the holiday that we celebrate in the U.S. today, Memorial Day – a day when we honor those men and women who have given their lives in service to our country.
I have never been in the military. My dad and my wife both spent time in the service. I was fortunate enough to come of age shortly after the draft ended in the Vietnam War era. So I don’t have first hand experience from which to speak. But I have always been an American. I have always enjoyed the freedoms for which our military brothers and sisters have fought. And I have always been, still am today, and always will be, grateful.
The sacrifices that our military personnel make are great. And today we honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice. We who are Christians should be especially thankful. These brave men and women show us an example of how to live the Christian life. Because the Christian life is one of sacrifice. Our leader, Christ Jesus, gave us the prime example of that. So please remember in your prayers today all those who have given their all for you. Pray for their souls. Pray for their families. And thank God that, because of their heroism, we enjoy freedom today.
Father, we thank you all those who have given their lives in service of our nation. We pray that they gave their lives not only in service to their country, but to You. Bless their families and keep us always grateful. Amen.
Thank you, Gus, for reminding everyone of the true meaning of today.
Amen – and thank you Gus! So beautiful how you linked His sacrifice to those of our fallen brothers and sisters! God bless – and thanks to your father and Michelle for their service!