The Meaning of Memorial Day
Many people are very free with their opinions about war, about whether or not we should fight this war or that, about where and how the military should be deployed or brought home. In some countries, freely expressing these opinions could land you in jail or worse. In America, our right to express them is protected by the highest law in our land. In America, men and women have given their lives defending that right.
Regardless of whether we support a particular war, we should always support the men and women who serve in our military.
Memorial Day is about honoring the fallen, giving thanks to all who have served and who are serving. It is about supporting the men and women who day after day put their lives on the line so that you and I can be free.
To all our veterans…the ones who came home and the ones who didn’t…our debt to you is deep. Know that we remember you, we thank you, and we ask the good Lord to reward you for your faithful service to the United States of America.
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Originally published by the Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles on their website. Used with permission.
Editor’s Note: Here at SpiritualDirection.com, we join the Carmelite Sisters in their tribute to those who serve and have served, and have paid the ultimate price. I always think of Jesus’ words: “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13). May God bless you all! And, may the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
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Art: Poppy, papaver; Šarunas Burdulis, 28 May 2012, CCA-SA 2.0 Generic, Wikimedia Commons.
About Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles
PROMOTING A DEEPER SPIRITUAL LIFE THROUGH HEALTHCARE, EDUCATION AND RETREATS.
The way of life of the Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles is rooted in the Gospel, the Church, and the spirituality of Carmel as lived out through the charism of our foundress, Venerable Mother Maria Luisa Josefa of the Most Blessed Sacrament. In His merciful goodness, God has graced our Institute with the Carmelite charism which has its foundation in a long history and living tradition. Our vocation is a grace by which contemplation and action are blended to become an apostolic service of the Church as we promote a deeper spiritual life among God’s people through education, healthcare, and spiritual retreats.
We are called by God to be a presence inflamed within our world, witnessing to God’s love through prayer, joyful witness and loving service. Our mission flows from each sister’s profound life of prayer as Mother Luisita, our foundress, wrote, “the soul of each Carmelite raises herself to Christ, Who is her heaven, while her shadow falls in charity upon earth doing good to all people.”
