CHARLOTTE — Memorial Day is an occasion to honor those who defended the cause of peace with their very lives, and it serves as a reminder that all Christians are called to follow their example.
On Memorial Day “we remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the name of peace for our country,” noted Father Christopher Roux, rector, during a Mass for the Military offered May 27 at St. Patrick Cathedral.
Bishop Peter Jugis, who traditionally celebrates the annual Mass on Memorial Day, was unable to attend due to illness.
The Gospel reading for the annual Mass was from Matthew Chapter 5 – Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, which includes “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
Memorial Day is not a celebration of war, Father Roux said in his homily. “We do not do that because there is no glory in war. There is no glory in killing. That is a sad result of sin.”
War, division and hatred are the products of sin, not what God intends for His creation, Father Roux said. “Unfortunately, because of sin we need a military … because there are those who hate, and hatred is always the beginning of war.”
“We are at war – not with other human beings – but we’re at war against those who would destroy the peace that comes from God,” he said.
Lasting peace can only come from Jesus Christ, he noted. “It is only through His Blood poured out for us that we find peace.”
Our response in the face of sin and hatred must be prayer, Father Roux continued. Peace “will not come with guns, and it will not come with bombs. It will come with prayer.”
“The greatest weapon that we have,” he said, holding up a rosary, “is this right here.”
“You and I need to join those who put on uniform,” he said. “Let us join the fight – not for an unsubstantial peace, but for a peace which will win hearts and minds and souls for God.”
“We are not meant to be violent, we were made to be together” with God, he said. “Let us lay down our very lives for the Gospel of Christ.”
— Patricia L. Guilfoyle, editor
Pictured at top: U.S. Army Reserve Lt. Col. Robert Gleason is among those who brought up the offertory gifts during the Mass for the Military on Memorial Day, May 27, at St. Patrick Cathedral.
'Echo Taps'
Watch below: "Echo Taps" is played at the conclusion of the Mass for the Military May 27 at St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte. (Videography by James Sarkis, St. Patrick Cathedral)