Remember not to forget those who died for our country
Reflections on the readings for Memorial Day, Monday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time (May 28, 2018): 1 PT 1:3-9; PS 111:1-2, 5-6, 9-10; MK 10:17-27
MISSIO offers “Preaching Mission,” as a homily help, providing connections to mission from the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days.
We pause on this national holiday to recall those who gave their lives to protect the people of the United States of America.
What was then known as Decoration Day began after the Civil War when many women and men decorated the graves of those who had died with flags, flowers and mementos. After World War I, those who died in all wars were included. Now called Memorial Day and celebrated on the last Monday in May, we still pay tribute to those who died in service to this country, through parades, community remembrances and religious services. But Memorial Day has also become the unofficial start of summer over a long weekend of recreation. Perhaps then we may forget the true meaning of this day – remembering those who have died.
Let us take time to recall and pray for the men and women who died in service to the United States. We can also resolve to make our own contribution to building a nation of integrity by working and praying for the peace and justice for which they fought. And we can offer practical support to those who serve now and to their families. This is a day to appreciate all who have made or continue to make sacrifices for our welfare. Let us ask God to bless those who have gone before us as well as to guide us in helping our neighbors and our nation. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who in His mercy gave us a new birth to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable” (1 Peter 1:3-4).