Christian Reflection and Prayer

Memorial Day weekend can be a time of mixed feelings.
On the one hand, it’s the unofficial beginning of summer,
an auspicious time to look forward to months spent
outside with family and friends. On the other hand, for
those mourning the loss in war of a close relative or loved
one, there is a deep and personal sense of grief, mingled
with feelings of patriotism and profound pride for their
service.

We honor on Memorial Day. Around the country, those
who, in the immortal words of Abraham Lincoln's
Gettysburg Address, gave "the last full measure of their
devotion" for the country they loved – the men and women
who died while serving in the U.S. armed forces throughout
our country’s history, ordinary people who showed
extraordinary courage and sacrifice in times of crisis.

These sorts of public observances are valuable because
they instill in us a sense of gratitude for our soldiers. It is
so easy for us to forget that our lives are not wholly our own
– they are built upon a foundation of God's goodness and
grace, and the blood, toil, and sacrifice of others. Memorial
Day gives us the opportunity to remember that fact.

So, this weekend, let us indeed enjoy the company of family
and friends, and look forward to the pleasures of summer.
But let us do more as well. Let us take a moment to pray for
all those grieving and recovering in Oklahoma, asking God to
strengthen those working to heal and rebuild. Let us
remember the soldiers who died defending the freedoms we
all too often take for granted. Let us pray for the dear ones
they left behind, and for the safety of those men and women
who, even now, are standing at the front lines of the war on
terror in dangerous corners of the world. And let us pray for
the day when God will bless all of us with His most precious
gift of shalom, peace.

SHALOM

PEACE TO ALL