Among you is the great and Holy One of Israel. —Isaiah 12:6
Mass Readings: Zephaniah 3:14-18 or Romans 12:9-16 / Luke 1:39-56
Today, our country celebrates Memorial Day — an annual observance that began shortly after the Civil War to remember all the men and women who died while serving in the military during war. Unlike many families, mine has not had a member who died while in the military. Like many people though, I have had friends who died in war.
Why are some people willing to put their lives on the line for others, to protect their country and way of life? Many of us will never know, but we can look to them in gratitude, just as we’re filled with wonder and gratitude for Jesus Who, the night before He died for our sins, explained it to His disciples this way: “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (Jn 15:13).
Prayer: Saints of God, come to the aid of all our military, fallen and living.