Remembrance Sunday, November 15, 2020
Matthew 5
Today we are commemorating Remembrance Sunday.
I remember …. Walking on the fields of Beaumont Hamel, and being reminded of the horrible loss of lives in the 1st World War…
I remember… my dad’s war medals and six brothers who went over seas during the 2nd World War…
I remember … being a chaplain in the Canadian Forces and preparing soldiers for conflict in Croatia and Afghanistan…
I remember….as an army chaplain, having to deliver the news to the parents whose son died in an IED explosion in Afghanistan.
I remember …. When my own son was on the front lines of Afghanistan, was in two IED explosions, in constant fire fights. I remember thinking that he would be coming home in casket draped in the Canadian flag.
We remember, as families of those who have served in the Canadian Forces. We remember as citizens of the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. We remember as citizens of the nation of Canada. We remember those who have given their lives in the conflicts that we have been involved in around this global village.
We remember … the ongoing political and economic evils in our world, that subverts the dignity of human life and creation.
We remember … that Jesus said …
“Blessed are the peace makers, for they will be called children of God.” Matt 5:9
We have a responsibility to find ways to offer something of ourselves for the benefit of those around the world who cannot help themselves.
Jesus asks us to lay down our lives for our neighbours. He asks us to be peacemakers. All people of good will are called to help those who cannot help themselves.
So today, let us remember and give thanks for our men and women of our Armed Forces who have sacrificed themselves for others.
And as a people and a nation, let us continue our stand against evil and injustice in our world.
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