Veteran's Day

Every year on November 11th our nation honors all men and women who served in our military and their families on Veteran's Day. Today we will be observing Veteran's Day through special Prayers of the Faithful at mass this weekend and Patriotic hymns.

America is at war. The War in Afghanistan is the longest running armed conflict in the history of the United States. And, however we define it, radical Islamists continue to wage war against our nation. I regret that for many of us, myself included, we too quickly forget this reality and go with our daily lives as if we are not at war. Regardless of whether or not you agreed with the decision to go to war or to remain in this war for so long, we have a duty to recognize the service of our military personnel and their families who have made such great sacrifices on behalf of our nation. Please keep our serviceman and women in prayers.

Please pray for peace. It seems there is trouble and violence almost everywhere on the globe. But remember, God so loved the world that he sent his son. Jesus preached and lived peace and non-violence. Jesus is God's gift of peace. When the soldiers came to arrest Jesus, his loyal disciple Peter pulled out his sword to fight. Peter aimed for the soldier's head but sliced off his ear. Jesus picked up the soldier's ear, brushed off the dirt and healed him on the spot. Now, that is loving your enemies. That is walking the talk. That is why Jesus is the Prince of Peace. This is the path of holiness which Jesus walked and longs to walk with us. May we walk the talk that further develops the Peace of Christ.