I never really understood the power of Remembrance Day until I led a service in a long-term care centre on November 11. Paying attention to Remembrance Day has been part of my life since I was a child either by attending services at school, or at the local cenotaph. Church services that I have attended, or led, early in November, always had at least a portion dedicated to remembering the lives of those who died in war, and also included prayers for peace. Those services have been memorable and important for me, but not transforming. Perhaps it was because there was always a distance, a chasm, that separated me in time and experience from the pain and suffering of war. When called to remember, I was casting back over decades in an act of respect.
At the nursing home, November 11 is bigger than Christmas and Easter. Residents, from all faith traditions, make the effort to gather together to worship God and to remember the losses and horror of war. There, the collective memory and wisdom of elders teaches the immediacy and heart gripping reality of why we must remember. Their tributes, their tears, their dignified presence, their silence so filled with the moment at hand, as they remember what they saw and heard and felt in the midst of war, transforms my act of respect into an act of faith. There is no distance, no chasm of time or geography in this sacred time as the evil of war and the price of peace is proclaimed in faith. This honour guard processes in a courageous parade with the flags balanced gently in walkers and wheelchairs. The bearers bear more than the flags as this solemn assembly knows better than most why we would gather in the presence of God to pray for peace. Theirs is an act of faith, and I am changed by their witness of the power of God to hold and heal nations, and our responsibility to respond in peaceful ways – everyday.
This year marks the 60th Anniversary of the end of WWII. As Canadian Presbyterians, we remember the sacrifice of so many in the wars of the last century and we pledge ourselves to peace in the name of the Prince of Peace. In Canada, 2005 has been named The Year of the Veteran. We thank God for the many men and women in our church, and those beyond our church, who served their country. We pray that their lives will change ours, as together we bear witness to the vision and gift of peace.
The reality of war is still stealing lives and bringing destruction and devastation in many areas of the world today. The Presbyterian Church in Canada, in an act of faith, participates ecumenically with partner churches and other agencies in efforts to encourage peace and secure peace. We are also present with the women and men of the Canadian Forces through our military chaplains. There are eight Presbyterian chaplains who serve as agents of the gospel of Jesus Christ within the military community. These ministers of our church have been called to a very unique and specialized ministry as they bring the presence of Christ to members of the Canadian Forces and their families. There are also an equal number of reserve chaplains serving Reserve Units across Canada. Military chaplains need our support and prayers as they minister to their own, facilitate the worship of others and care for all. It will be my privilege to meet with the Presbyterian chaplains as they gather in Trenton, Ont., on November 22-23.
In Living Faith: A Statement of Christian Belief, the section on Peace is placed within the chapter, Our Life in Christ. Moving from an act of respect to an act of faith comes in a moment of grace when we recognize and respond to Christ's call to live in him. It usually happens in community when we see ourselves in vulnerable solidarity with others – in Christ.
In this issue of the Record, there are opportunities for us to move from acts of respect to acts of faith as we support the ministries and agencies of The Presbyterian Church in Canada in the name of Jesus Christ.
May the peace of Christ live in us and through us.
M. Jean Morris.
