Wednesday
of this week, though not being a religious holiday, is nevertheless held in great esteem
by all Americans, and finds its way into its religious celebrations on this
day: the day is November 11, 2015. For
us, as Americans, this is traditionally known as Veteran’s Day, being
established as such by a Congressional Act at the request of President Calvin
Coolidge in 1939, “a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and
hereafter known as Armistice Day.” This reflects the origins of the day with
that of the German signing of the Armistice
which was transpired at the 11th hour of the 11thday of the 11th
month of 1918, which thus formally ended the major hostilities of World War I.
It was President Dwight D Eisenhower who was responsible for changing the word
“Armistice” with “Veterans,” in 1956, thus making this date, at least to this
point the National “Veterans Day” recognition and celebration.
Veterans Day is not to be confused with Memorial Day; Veterans Day celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans, while Memorial Day is a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving.
And so now we reflect for a
few moments on what this national day of remembrance has to do with our
readings today, and our Eucharistic celebration. It has everything to do with
them.
Our
readings can speak to us of our nation’s pride in those who served
in the military in any capacity for time immemorial. Jesus himself was a member
of an amazing, though transcendent native land; and he himself was placed in
the charge of maintaining its sovereignty among all the nations of the earth,
in a spiritual sense; thus he is also meant to be in charge of loving hearts of
those who are willing to help the cause out!
Going
ahead first, Jesus, himself bravely and personally cleared
the way for all his followers by making the ultimate sacrifice of his own life
for the spiritual liberation of all of us, and all in the world. And then he
enlisted an army of disciples to help
him lead home all who would take refuge in the teeming celestial shores of
plenty and prosperity – provided by his Father, who is Lord and Master of all!
What
is unprecedented and unrepeatable is that the One Sacrifice of
Christ sufficed for everyone, everywhere and at all time; and it is the Truth
that he lived and died for, the Life that he made known and desired to share,
and the Way that he pointed out quite literally – that can motivate everyone,
to live a life of self-sacrifice and helpfulness to all in need.
A
soldier, a disciple and a widow with almost nothing to live
on can have one thing in common: if they give themselves away completely to God
and his will: for them there will be food for a year, a clear path of
discipleship and a service record to be proud of!
And
so, on this Veteran’s Day, we thank the widow, the disciple and the
soldier for surrendering their own fears and input into plans and situations,
and choosing what angels and good spirits tell them is the right thing to do!
Blessed
are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven!
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