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This weekend we honor those who have served in the armed forces making it possible for us to live in peace and freedom. We owe them a debt of gratitude.
This commemoration was inaugurated originally as a celebration of the Armistice that ended the 1st World War on Nov. 11, 1918. The world was sick of war and desired a final end to warfare. We know that the peace won at the cost of so many lives didn't last long.
Even while people celebrated peace and an end to hostilities, there were those who were sowing the seeds of future aggression. It didn't take long for the world to return to war. Violence began to break out regionally in less than 10 years. And the world was engulfed in a little over 20 years.
Jesus the Prince of Peace wept over Jerusalem foreseeing its future destruction in the rebellion which would leave the temple demolished.
"Would that even today you knew the things that make for peace!" Luke 19:41-42. He encouraged his followers not to respond to evil with evil, but rather to strive for peace in their own hearts and minds.
"Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you..." Matt 5:43-44.
Sadly, the more that people turn away from the council of God and allow malice to grow in their hearts the greater the chance of malice taking root in the relationships between people, ethnic groups and nations. The evil that lurks in individual hearts is the seed of war.
One of my favorite Peanuts cartoons had Lucy chasing after Charlie Brown and shouting that he might as well stop, because she was going to catch him and, when she did, she was going to knock his block off. Charlie is pictured turning around to Lucy with his hands raised asking how we can expect nations to live in peace when we can't live in peace as individuals. With that Lucy slugged him in classical form, sending him head-over-heels. As she walked away, she said in reflection that she had to hit him quickly, he was beginning to make sense.
This Veterans Day let us honor those who have served our country with our commitment to work for peace as true followers of Jesus.
Even when we feel justified in our anger, let us strive to live in peace with those who offend us, always seeking a peaceful solution to our differences.
And if evil men should leave us no other option, then let us support in every way those who are pledged to risk their lives in the cause of peace.
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Finding Faith is written by area pastors. This week's column comes from Rev. Fr. Joseph Orr of Holy Spirit Catholic Parish, Lock Haven.