“We will remember them.”
On Sunday, we honour the memory of all the service men and women who have lost their life in war, and remember the ultimate sacrifice they have made. As a parish, we remember the 32 commonwealth war graves that lie within our churchyard. For many amongst us, there will be the painful and personal remembrance of loved ones we have lost because of war. This year, with the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, we lament the continuing violence in our world, even as we pray for peace.
In a world of wars, and rumours of wars, Christians are called to ‘remember Jesus Christ’ (2 Timothy 2.8), the one who made the ultimate sacrifice of laying down his life for us, that we might enjoy peace with God. As we remember with gratitude those who have given their life for us, let us also remember God’s love for a broken and war-torn world. Let us pray that the Prince of Peace will bring peace to our lives, and world. And let us look forward to the day when Christ returns, and all conflict, war, sorrow, and pain will pass away.
Simon Oatridge