Do we dare forget why Memorial Day is important.? It is not just a long weekend. Not just a day off work. Not just the start of summer activities. Not just a day of sun and beach.
American flags are in many subdivisions in remembrance of Memorial Day. We stand in danger of neglecting or forgetting the past or becoming inattentive of those who came before us. Unless we lived through a war or were interested in history, there are many who don't know the past but just live in our own time and place.
But we are called to remember and honor those who died in the many wars of days gone by. Our wisdom is obtained by their courage, their love for their country, their unselfishness in losing their lives and for the memories they left behind. In being thankful for their sacrifices, we remember how precious peace is and we try never to lose it again.
Our faith is very much dependent on remembering all that God has done for us and all that He has promised. Forgetfulness does not nourish our relationship with God. Throughout scripture we see the tradition of the Jewish people, their feasts honoring and remembering when Moses received the Tablets, the stories of God intervening in the lives of His people and the Passover celebration. We should never forget the greatest acts of God in sending His Son to save and redeem us, the institution of the Sacraments and His holy presence in the Most Holy Eucharist.
We cannot afford to take for granted our blessings. We cannot afford to make our own way without God. We cannot afford to be thankless.
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