Responsible remembering

     At the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in the year of Our Lord 1918 an Armistice was signed which brought to an end the hostility of the 1st World War.  Today marks the 100th anniversary of that moment when the fighting stopped and the eyes of all were directed toward world peace.

     That date has been recognized by various nations in many ways - Armistice Day … Remembrance Day … and in our nation as Veterans Day.  It has become a day of remembering, of honoring and hopefully of recommitment to the goal of peace on earth.

     World War I was the first major world conflict.  It was described as the "great war", the "war to end all wars".  The devastation through combat, with advancing weapons, and with the use of biological weapons caused all to have second thoughts as to the future of warfare.  There had been wars and conflicts probably from the beginning of time - and the magnitude of this war seemed to be a pinnacle of man's inhumanity to man - but the lesson was not learned.   It was not long before a greater war encompassed the entire world with staggering statistics that made WWI pale in comparison.  And wars have continued to this day, despite the resolve of many and the cries for peace.  We are incapable of bringing about peace because we do not know or possess the source of peace - Jesus Christ.

 This year's Remembrance Day Observance at the Tower of London

had 10,000 lights surrounding the Tower

The Remembrance Day Observance in 2014 had thousands of red

poppies surrounding the Tower.  The poppy is the

symbol of the fields of Flanders where many died

     Today is a day of remembering the tragic reality of war within the hearts of humanity.  Today is also a day of remembering those who stepped forward to lay their lives on the line for a common good, to serve their nations and the greater quest for peace and justice for all, not only in that "great war" but in all such struggles.   Today is a day of honoring their service and their sacrifice.   Today is also a day to resolve to renew our effort to bring about a lasting peace that is rooted in love and respect, a love and respect that we, as people of Faith, have already experienced in our relationship with God.   Saint Pope Paul VI in the early 60's visited the UN and spoke passionate words:  "War never again!  Never again war!"  The world listened but did not hear. The world leaders thought about it for a moment but dismissed it as a "pipe dream".  That "pipe dream" can only become a reality when we turn our hearts toward the Lord and are immersed in his love.  So today is a day of prayer for peace in the hearts of men and women and in the responsibilities embrassed by the world community.

     Remember … Honor … Pray … Serve the cause of peace.