For this shall every faithful man pray to you
in time of stress.
Though deep waters overflow,
they shall not reach him.
You are my shelter; from distress you will preserve me;
with glad cries of freedom you will ring me round. (Ps 32:6-7)
Peace. Love. Joy. Unity. Compassion. Justice.
All of these are fruits of our loving God.
As much as we are called to participate in them, we also know a different reality.
Conflict. Hate. Sadness. Division. Apathy. Injustice.
All of these are fruits of the world which is steeped in sin.
Because we are called to be people of peace, love, joy, unity, compassion, and justice, there are times that we need to “step up” and help others in need who are being oppressed.
Those times often lead to war.
In war, the ultimate sadness happens. Good peoples’ lives are cut short.
Today, Memorial Day, we remember all of those who have served in the military and who have made the ultimate sacrifice of giving up their lives so that we might be free.
We thank them for their sacrifice and we ask God to give them the peace that they struggled to ensure.
Eternal rest grant to them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace!
FAITH ACTION: Pray for our fallen heroes and pray for consolation for those whom they have left behind.