Reflection

Yesterday, 11 November, the College paused at 11.00 am to observe Remembrance Day and take time to reflect during the minute silence.

At 11 am on 11 November 1918 the guns on the Western Front fell silent after more than four years of continuous warfare in the conflict that became known as World War 1. The German invaders were driven back by the allied forces, who inflicted heavy defeats upon them over the preceding four months. In November the Germans called for an armistice (suspension of fighting) in order to secure a peace settlement. They agreed to unconditional surrender.  This day became known as Armistice Day.

The allied nations commemorated the end of World War 1 on the anniversary of the armistice each year. After the end of World War 2 Great Britain and Australia renamed the anniversary as Remembrance Day, in order to honour those who died or suffered in all wars or armed conflicts.

At Nazareth, we observe Remembrance Day with a ceremony over the PA system.  A reflection is read (including the soldier’s prayer), the flags are lowered to half mast, The Last Post and Reveille are played, and a minute’s silence is observed. It is a very moving service.

In the Catholic Church, November is the month for remembering our family and friends who have died. We are asked to take time to pray for their souls. We remember that they are a gift from God and we reflect on the difference that they made to our lives. These prayers and reflections do not need big ceremonies with readings and songs.  They can be done in a minute silence, away from the distractions of our lives. A minute is not an onerous amount of time to spend speaking with our Lord each day. We can find that quiet minute, maybe when we first wake up, or before we go to sleep.  It may be when we have a coffee break, or just before starting dinner preparation.  Perhaps we can find that minute before we start a work-out or waiting in the car for our children at the end of the school day.

This November let us all make the effort to spend at least one quiet minute each day with our Lord in prayer and reflection, and to remember the loved ones we have lost.

Lest We Forget.

Holy family of Nazareth – be our inspiration and our guide.

Jesus of Nazareth – help us to grow in faith, wisdom and knowledge.