A message from Deacon Brenda Tibbetts:
On the last Monday of May, we remember all those women and men who have given their lives in service to our country. It is only right that we set aside time to remember them and give thanks for their great sacrifice. As we remember, it is also a time that calls us to remember our own responsibilities as citizens of “two kingdoms.” Jesus told us to love God, love our neighbor as ourselves. Jesus also said, This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:12-13) How do we honor, love and serve our neighbors in this time of COVID-19? This is the great question many of us are asking in these days.
It took courage for those men and women in uniform to answer the call of duty and lay down their lives even for the people of their country who may not have agreed with the reasoning behind the battles. It takes courage for men and women to continue to answer the call and put on that uniform. And, we are grateful for their service. That same source of courage and strength is available to us through the power of the Holy Spirit. We too, need to answer that call not just for our friends or family, but for our neighbor. Even the ones with whom we may disagree.
As we remember those who have gone before us, we can honor their sacrifice by caring for the loved ones they left behind, by continuing to speak out against injustice, to speak up for those who are marginalized, to be advocates for the poor, to work for peace - not just with speech but also by sharing of our finances, gifts of food to the food shelf, calling your elected officials to hold them accountable, calling your neighbor or the person who sat next to you in the pew each Sunday to check in with them to see if they need anything-if they are doing ok in this challenging time. In reaching out, remember writing/sending/receiving cards and letters have taken on new appreciation during this time of physical distancing.
We are also called to pray for one another and pray for those currently serving in our armed forces. Pray for our military chaplains, pray for our elected officials that they would put aside all partisan bickering and pursuit of personal power to order to make wise decisions for the whole people.
As we remember, perhaps you might even use this prayer from the Evangelical Lutheran Worship Prayer Book for the Armed Services.
It reads,
Those Who Have Given Their Lives:
Eternal God, we give thanks for all those who have shown the greatest love by laying down their lives for others. We especially thank you for those in our military throughout history who have sacrificed their lives for their fellow citizens and for us who came after. As we remember their service, keep us mindful of all those for whom this day is a burden, and send your spirit of comfort to them. Be present with all the women and men who are serving in the military today. [Though they may be at war] let them live for the peace known only to you. Help us to be worthy of their legacy, and keep us mindful of their service, that in all things we may live our lives in praise and thanksgiving to you; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Amen.
May the peace of God which passes all understanding guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
