A Veterans Day message from our Conference Minister, Rev. Bill Worley: November 5, 2014 No one hath greater love than this, but to lay down his life for another Jesus of Nazareth Veterans Day is not an observance day in the life of the church, but it is a significant day for church people and their families who have, in times of war, given to our country the greatest love they could offer. Those who wear the fabric of the nation do so with a deep commitment to our highest values. But in moments of dying and killing, those values are superseded by a profound love forged between and among those serving together in terrifying circumstances. Veterans Day for me is a time to remember the Marines that did not come home from Iraq in 2007 with the unit in which I was deployed and of funerals before inverted rifles, hanging dog tags, and empty combat boots. I think often of their parents and siblings and wonder how they have gotten on with their daily lives. I am haunted by the current conflict in Iraq and wonder about the value of their sacrifice. I lament that more soldiers and civilians will die from our inability to find a way to live together. And I try to keep faith with the promises I made to live in a manner worthy of the lives given on all sides. Veterans Day has a quiet side too; about the sacrifices taken as well as those offered. I killed a lot of people, and I wonder when I get to the gates of heaven, will God let me in? This World War II veterans question has chased me relentlessly around the theological and pastoral hallways of my mind. Killing is a soul-rending experience that drives servicemen and women far from the presence of anything holy - in themselves or in the world. It finds no comfort in the medals or titles bestowed for heroism or bravery and in some cases leads to the deep darkness of self-destruction. As disciples of Christ, we have something very important to say to our veterans, something in addition to patriotic platitudes of gratitude. And it is that even the most righteous of wars make causalities of everyone, but no one is beyond Gods healing; that holiness may be a place we leave, but Gods holiness never leaves us; and that the ultimate home-coming is not to an appreciative nation but to a loving God. Find the veterans in your church or community this week, thank them, and let them know they are home. Rev. Bill Worley PSEC Conference Minister (Formerly, Battalion Chaplain, 3rd Battalion, 14th Marines, Al Anbar, Iraq)
Posted on: Thu, 06 Nov 2014 16:43:38 +0000
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