Faith and Mission

Remembrance Day. 11 November

Saturday marks a very important day in our calendar as we pause momentarily from our busy lives at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month for Remembrance Day. On a personal level, this day reminds me of the following passage in John's Gospel where we are called to follow Jesus’ ministry and call to ‘love one another’. 

John 15:12-17

My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.  I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.  You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other.  

In our interconnected world, it has become increasingly difficult to escape the grim images and news of the reality of war, violence and destruction. These images flood our social media feeds, leaving us feeling overwhelmed and often desensitised. However, amidst this chaos and despair, there is a voice that calls us to reflect on our relationship with our fellow human beings – Pope Francis.

Just as Jesus did, Pope Francis has consistently emphasised the importance of considering our neighbours. In his Encyclical, Fratelli Tutti, this call is renewed, urging us to ponder the question: who is our neighbour?

As we browse through news articles and scroll through social media platforms, we are often confronted with heart wrenching images of innocent children caught in the crossfire of war zones. Whether we are familiar with these lands, whether we have family in these areas or whether we only know what’s happening through the media, the constant news reveals to all of us the true human cost and the devastating impact of conflict.

The Pope's message resonates deeply, reminding us that each person affected by these horrors is our neighbour, deserving of our love, compassion and assistance. He encourages us to extend our circle of empathy beyond national borders and cultural boundaries, recognising the inherent dignity and worth of every human being.

In today's fast paced and technology driven society, it is easy to become detached from the suffering of others. However, Pope Francis gently prompts us to reconnect with our shared humanity. He urges us to be attentive, patient and understanding, demonstrating kindness and friendship even in the face of adversity.

So, while the images of war and destruction continue to haunt our screens, let us heed the Pope's call and strive to be helpful, gentle, patient and friendly towards all those whose lives have been shattered by violence. May our actions be guided by a sincere desire to embrace and uplift our neighbours, fostering a world where peace and solidarity conquer the darkness of war.

We pray for all those affected by war around the world. We pray for peace.