Memorial Day 2021. What images come to mind? Images of Lincoln visiting the war wounded of the Civil War at a hospital? The miles of crosses at Arlington? The disabled vet in the wheelchair? For many of us, the true meaning of Memorial Day is not related to how we really live.
Memorial Day weekend has become many things in our minds: the beginning of summer although for us in the Northeast this year has been cool and wet, sales and tremendous bargains, a day to just veg out. For veterans and their families, however, Memorial Day takes on its true significance: remembering the war dead.
We pray for a day when disputes between nations or within them will no longer be addressed by violence. But we must do more than pray. Memorial Day reminds us of our moral obligation to work for justice and peace.
Prayer for the Day
You, O God, are ever present in our lives: open us to new ways,
Broaden our vision of your work in the world;
You who calls us from our preconceived notions of your will,
Shake us from our slumber and awaken in us new hearts;
Clothe us with your Spirit and invest us with new insight,
Knead us into your loaf of life giving us new bread to eat.
In the name of him who is your Bread of Life,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen
Thoughts for the Day
Heroism doesn’t always happen in a burst of glory. Sometimes small triumphs and large hearts change the course of history.
Mary Roach, American author
Patriotism is not short frenzied outbursts of emotion, but the tranquil dedication of a lifetime.
Adlai Stevenson, American politician and diplomat (1900-1965)
The heavens are the heavens for the Lord, and the earth God has given to humankind;
The dead do not praise the Lord nor all who go down in silence,
But we will bless the Lord, now and forever. Hallelujah!
Psalm 118: 16-18