May 30, 2022, Memorial Day

Memorial Day, 5-30-30

Deacon Kevin O’Boyle

Like many of my high school classmates I was issued a draft card in my senior year in high school. The conflict of our time was Vietnam, and I don’t think anyone I knew was excited about going there. Fortunately for my classmates and I, the draft ended before any of us were called. As I think back to those days—the closest I ever came to the military—I remember the mixed feelings of probable conscientious objection—and likely a bit of fear I felt. But I am humbled by those whom we remember this day each year—the brave men and women who answered the call to serve and paid the ultimate price for freedom. Our readings today help us to understand the proper role all dedicated military personal have as one embraced by scripture.

In our First Reading Isaiah is recalling the heavenly kingdom when he says, “The work of justice will be peace. The effect of justice, calm and security forever. My people will live in peaceful country in secure dwellings and quiet resting places.” Does this not describe the basic mission of our armed forces—Justice. Our armed forces do what they do to promote justice and freedom. This should be the ultimate mission of any use of force. And in our history, it generally has been. Thus, the men and women who carry the burden of fighting for justice and freedom are doing God’s work.

Our Gospel reading is, of course, the beatitudes, given by Jesus as probably one of the most famous sermons of all time. In the Beatitudes, Jesus calls many groups blessed, and if we look carefully, I think we can see many of the traits of those who serve our country. To name just a few—sadly, many of them will mourn, for they know the pain of losing friends. Jesus calls them Blessed and says they will be comforted. Most hunger and thirst for righteousness. Is that not the definition of justice? Jesus says they will be satisfied. Hopefully, when the situation allowed and called for it, our forces are merciful and will thus be shown mercy. Likewise, we hope they are of clean heart, and most certainly we trust they strive to be peacemakers. This is just a sample of some of the beatitudes that may apply to our military personnel. Finally, and most relevant today, we remember the words of scripture elsewhere which read, Greater Love has no man then to lay down his life for another. It is what Jesus did for each of us.

And so, on this Memorial Day we remember those men and women who answered the call. Who were so often seeking to make peace and hungered and thirsted for righteousness. We pray for their souls, and the families they left behind. And often, as in the Beatitudes, we call them Blessed. That is something to think about on this Memorial Day, and each time we thank a member of the service for their work. God Bless.