Episode Transcript
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We will remember them, lest we forget
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My friends, peace be with you.
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I'm coming to you today from our
Veterans Retreat near Mt Tamborine
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in our month of remembrance,
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where we reflect upon the bond between
those on earth and those in heaven.
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And on this coming Wednesday,
nationally we will celebrate Remembrance Day,
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honouring those that have given
their lives in the service of peace.
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Remembrance is good for our souls, it's a
form of gratitude, and a form of love.
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Our readings today offer us insights
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into coming to terms with the prospect of
death and dying - and remembrance.
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Now, in my service in the military and police
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I’ve had a number of experiences where I thought
my life on earth was about to end,
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and I've also been with many, as they've died.
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I've seen in these times,
a whole range of emotions buzzing around.
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We might go through a process that
involves shock, disbelief, denial,
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bargaining with God and then hopefully acceptance.
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I'm mindful that some people right
now listening, will be in those grief spaces.
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Jesus today tells us to be ready.
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We may not know the hour when we
will be called from this life.
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It is appropriate that we
prepare ourselves, and others,
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for our death, while we
have the faculties to do so.
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We might have need to be reconciled with someone,
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or we might need dialogue with those
we desire to manage our affairs.
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I’ve seen that the people and families that deal
the best with issues of death and remembrance,
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are those that have prepared for
this eventuality, well in advance.
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In my current ministry to
traumatised war veterans,
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I have discovered the most effective and
appreciated approach to death and dying,
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is to encourage people to let go
of past resentments, to forgive,
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and ask for forgiveness, to honour
and celebrate positive memories,
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and not remain captive to unending
grief, or anger, or resentment.
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On Remembrance Day, our veterans will call to mind
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those that have given their
lives in the service of peace.
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We won’t grieve their passing, as some sad loss.
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We will imagine them watching over
us from the handrail of heaven,
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urging us to soldier on.
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We will recall their goodness and service.
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And we'll embrace their legacy of inspiration,
to continue our lives,
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to be the very best witnesses
to living a Christian life.
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May our remembrance today and next Wednesday,
focus on the goodness we have experienced.
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May we live each day to the fullest,
trusting in God
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and doing our best to be Good News people,
who will be remembered for our joy and gladness.
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Yes, we will remember you, we won’t forget.
