On Memorial Day, there is a custom to pay tribute to the graves of service men and women who have died while serving our great country. Many are uncomfortable going; it doesn’t seem right that these soldiers are in the ground while we are still living.
The barrenness and silence stir up many questions. Who am I that this person fought for my life and freedom? We may even be silent before those veterans who stand before us with physical or emotional wounds, because we are afraid and don’t know what to say.
After His Resurrection, Jesus revealed that the wounds and even death we may incur out of love can not hold us down. He said to the disciples in the Upper Room, “Peace be with you,” and then He offered them life and forgiveness of sins and sent them out to do the same.
As we embrace the Holy Spirit by living the commandments, and are embraced by the Holy Spirit through the Sacraments, we recognize that there is nothing for us to fear. Christ is the Victor who won the war against sin and death, and He equips us with the armor of God, the Holy Spirit, to protect us and ensure us of eternal life as long as we remain with Him.
We were given the gift of the Holy Spirit at our Baptism which unites us to Christ, cleanses us of sin, and makes us heirs to God’s kingdom. In Confirmation, we enter into the mission of Christ in the Holy Spirit, where He strengthens those who receive Him with all that they need to be true witnesses of Christ – soldiers for Christ – in the world.
Just as each of the armed services have differing missions, so also the Holy Spirit empowers each of us with different gifts and therefore calls us to different responsibilities.
Whether we serve on land, sea, or air, may we be willing to fight for truth, willing to suffer if necessary for love, and give our lives in loving service that we may honor God and may honor the memory of those who have gone before us, as well as inspire all those who come after us.
By Father Michael Mullins, pastor of Sacred Heart, Palmerton.
