 Lest We Forget
For many in America, Memorial Day marks the start of summer, sun-drenched days, warm evenings, picnics, and vacations. Unfortunately, many fail to reflect on the deeper meaning of this day. The willingness of men and women to answer our nation’s call, knowing the risks they face, yet willing to give their lives to protect and defend this nation we love. What extraordinary examples of service over self! Jesus spoke of such sacrifice in John 15:12–13: “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lays down his life for his friends.” On this special day, we call Memorial Day, we remember the men and women lost defending our freedom. Their heroic sacrifices have guaranteed the religious and civil freedoms that we all enjoy today, that some in our culture take for granted. Recently, I had the honor of spending the day with the last living Medal of Honor recipient from WWII, US Marine Woody Williams, who received our nation’s highest honor for his bravery on Iwo Jima. As I listened to his humble reflections after blessing the new Gold Star Family Memorial, I was reminded of the sacrifices made by “a few good men.” The fight for that small island in the Pacific caused 26,000 casualties and cost 6,800 lives. It’s hard to fathom what those brave men had to endure in the darkest moments of battle if they hadn’t had their brothers at their side. Friends, we are no different. The battles are different for sure, but nonetheless, they are battles. Today we’re battling illnesses, the loss of loved ones, and addictions. We are battling an enemy who has come to kill, steal and destroy. But we are not in the fight alone! We must fight in the Lord because the battle is His. We must always remember that Jesus has defeated darkness. But we dare not fight without the armor needed to defeat the enemy if we are to be victorious. And like our military, we must never leave behind our fellow believers in the struggle. We are to always support and encourage them! As Christians, let us not forget today the brave men and women who fought and died for us. We must remember them and always have reverent hearts for them, “Lest we Forget.” The Scriptures say to give honor to whom honor is due, and these American heroes truly deserve our honor and heartfelt thanks. And dear brothers and sisters, let us never take for granted the greatest sacrifice, the death at Calvary of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who provides our eternal victory! Grace and peace always Fr. Greg+
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