“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” – John 15:13
Thank you for all of your birthday greetings yesterday! I share a birthday with Martin Luther (born Nov. 10, 1483) and the United Stated Marine Corps (formed Nov. 10, 1775) That’s pretty good company, I think! Today, of course, is Veterans’ Day. The office and preschool are closed, but we decided to go ahead and keep the shower ministry open as a few of the folks who will come to see us today are vets, and I would hate to deny them this minor tender mercy on the day we honor their service.
In these days of determining what work is essential, and thanking those who risk their lives by serving others, it is doubly important for us to remember those who have served in the armed forces. These are people who have not merely spoken of their duty to others, but have uprooted themselves and put their lives on the line for justice and security. These are people who have not just talked of love, but have shown us. These are people who have made a commitment with their very beings.
Each year on this day I am thrilled by the words of Katherine Lee Bates, who in 1904 wrote:
“O beautiful for heroes
proved in liberating strife,
who more than self
their country loved,
and mercy
more than life.”
What I find striking about many veterans is that this willingness to serve – this love of mercy that is greater than the love of their own life – is that is continues throughout their lives. It isn’t a one-and-done affair; they are always ready to commit themselves. It becomes a way of life.
We are not all called to serve in the armed forces. Yet this level of commitment is necessary for many aspects of life, including our faith journey. To honor veterans does not take from our desire and our ability to honor those who commit themselves to others in different ways. Indeed, it calls us to consider what in faith and life requires of us such a commitment. And then to make that commitment.
Pastor George
With trumpet sound we hear your voice, O God. Stir in us such love for others that we would ask, “what do you require of us, O Lord?” Move in us, that we would not only think and talk, but commit and act. We thank you for those who have given this example of devotion. O God, we are yours, use us for your work of justice and mercy in the world. Through Christ we pray. Amen.