There is No Greater Love than This

This Saturday we celebrate Veteran’s Day, an important opportunity for all of us to remember the sacrifice that so many have made to serve our country and protect those ideals.  I cannot read Jesus’s words from John 15:13 without thinking of those who serve in the military: “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Paul in his letter to the Romans points out what a rare quality this is, “Indeed, rarely will anyone die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person someone might actually dare to die.” Romans 5:7  In truth, those who serve offer their lives not only to their friends or those they believe to be good, but to all who claim this country as theirs.  That is indeed worthy of our gratitude and support, both to the Veteran’s and to their families, whose sacrifice is usually unrecognized.

I recently noticed that at the supermarket where I do the bulk of my shopping, they have a separate stereo system at the entrance to the building that plays only patriotic songs, like “God Bless America,” and Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the U.S.A.” There is other modern music piped on the main shopping floor, but right as I enter and exit, I get a clear message of patriotism and pride. 

As a bit of a cynic, I was skeptical of the motivation by this bit of musical manipulation (when I finally noticed it!) as I am sure there is some research that backs up the investment of 2 different sound systems, suggesting perhaps that patriotic music got people in a “good mood” to spend their hard-earned money at the store.  However, I am also aware that this store has had several incidences where women dressed in hajib (the head veil worn by observant Muslim women) have been harassed.  One woman was told to “Get out of our country and go home,” even though she has born and raised in New Jersey. 

I believe the music is actually an invitation to consider the American ideal of a country made up of immigrants living together in some form of harmony. I prefer the metaphor of a mosaic rather than a melting pot, as everyone retains their own identity, yet together all create an amazing new picture. 

And even in my cynicism, I do love the lyrics of Greenwood’s song, “And I would gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today, because there ain’t no doubt I love this land. God Bless the U.S.A.”  I do truly stand in awe of those who do defend the ideals of our American experience, both those who serve in our armed forces and those who dare to confront a person whose behavior is antithetical to our ideals of freedom and justice for all.

Those who gave their lives while serving in the military have given the ultimate sacrifice.  But we cannot forget those who return from active duty with wounds both seen and unseen.  Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), brain injuries, as well as obvious physical injuries (just to name a few conditions) can have lasting effects on our Veteran’s.  It is incumbent on our society to take care of our wounded warriors as well as offer our prayers for their service and healing. 

For all those who are Veteran’s, and to your families, we humbly thank you for your service.

For those in the Armed Forces of our Country (BCP pg. 823)
Almighty God, we commend to your gracious care and keeping all the men and women of our armed forces at home and abroad. Defend them day by day with your heavenly grace; strengthen them in their trials and temptations; give them courage to face the perils which beset them; and grant them a sense of your abiding presence wherever they may be; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

In Christ,

Rev. Valerie+