Transcript
We will remember them, lest we forget My friends, peace be with you. I’m coming to you today from our Veterans Retreat near Mt Tamborine in our month of remembrance, where we reflect upon the bond between those on earth and those in heaven. And on this coming Wednesday, nationally we will celebrate Remembrance Day, honouring those that have given their lives in the service of peace. Remembrance is good for our souls, it’s a form of gratitude, and a form of love. Our readings today offer us insights into coming to terms with the prospect of death and dying – and remembrance. Now, in my service in the military and police I’ve had a number of experiences where I thought my life on earth was about to end, and I’ve also been with many, as they’ve died. I’ve seen in these times, a whole range of emotions buzzing around. We might go through a process that involves shock, disbelief, denial, bargaining with God and then hopefully acceptance. I’m mindful that some people right now listening, will be in those grief spaces. Jesus today tells us to be ready. We may not know the hour when we will be called from this life. It is appropriate that we prepare ourselves, and others, for our death, while we have the faculties to do so. We might have need to be reconciled with someone, or we might need dialogue with those we desire to manage our affairs. I’ve seen that the people and families that deal the best with issues of death and remembrance, are those that have prepared for this eventuality, well in advance. In my current ministry to traumatised war veterans, I have discovered the most effective and appreciated approach to death and dying, is to encourage people to let go of past resentments, to forgive, and ask for forgiveness, to honour and celebrate positive memories, and not remain captive to unending grief, or anger, or resentment. On Remembrance Day, our veterans will call to mind those that have given their lives in the service of peace. We won’t grieve their passing, as some sad loss. We will imagine them watching over us from the handrail of heaven, urging us to soldier on. We will recall their goodness and service. And we’ll embrace their legacy of inspiration, to continue our lives, to be the very best witnesses to living a Christian life. May our remembrance today and next Wednesday, focus on the goodness we have experienced. May we live each day to the fullest, trusting in God and doing our best to be Good News people, who will be remembered for our joy and gladness. Yes, we will remember you, we won’t forget.
Provided by the Good News (Archdiocese of Brisbane)
Find out more here:
Thirty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time - Archdiocese of Brisbane