November 11, 2024
For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.” — Matthew 25:35–36
Nov. 11 was originally set aside as “Armistice Day” to honor veterans of World War I. Congress sought to set aside time to “commemorate with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through goodwill and mutual understanding between nations … with appropriate ceremonies of friendly relations with all other peoples.” In 1954, the word “armistice” was replaced with “veterans” to remember those who served in World War II and Korea.
But when the “goodwill and understanding” that so many sought to perpetuate between nations failed, the names and places and their impact on our friends and families increased with time: Vietnam, Grenada, Beirut, Panama, Bosnia, Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan. And the experiences in those places profoundly impacted the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of our personal lives and those of our friends and families for many generations. In some cases, the stories and experiences and subsequent recognition became well documented in books, movies and television shows. But for others, the impact was without recognition or fanfare. No books. No miniseries. No individual monuments. The impact of those experiences was firmly retained behind an emotional wall. While some thought they were hidden from view, the impact was evident to friends and family for years to come.
So, as we approach Veterans Day, I give thanks to the Veterans Affairs, the Federal Bureau of Prisons and military chaplains who serve alongside our veterans. In every situation, a chaplain was there. Whether it was on the beaches of Normandy, a small group in a VA counseling center or a prison chapel service, Presbyterian pastors serving as chaplains in these institutions have for generations sought to faithfully follow the tenets of Matthew 25.
In addition to our chaplains, I also take time to remember others who also impact our veterans and their families in their local communities and churches: our PC(USA) pastors, elders, deacons and parishioners. I lift up in prayer all called to a life of service and how Matthew 25 guides us to serve and love others: a neighbor, someone from our community or a congregant.
Today, as I seek to remain faithfully guided by the tenets of Matthew 25, I lift up the veterans impacted by their time of service who hold close the memories, experiences, hopes and fears. I remember you in my prayers.
Today, as I seek to remain faithfully guided by tenets of Matthew 25, I lift up the families of veterans impacted by the separation of time and distance and who hold close their own memories, experiences, hopes and fears. I remember you in my prayers.
Today, as I seek to remain faithfully guided by tenets of Matthew 25, I lift up the chaplains who followed their service members onto the beaches, jungles and waterways of our world and whose call to faithfully serve also took its toll on themselves and their families. I remember you in my prayers.
Today as I seek to remain faithfully guided by tenets of Matthew 25, I lift up the numerous support organizations, local communities and houses of worship that devote time, prayer, energy and talent to help our veterans and their families adjust to a new frame of life. I remember you in my prayers.
Today as I seek to remain faithfully guided by tenets of Matthew 25, I lift up the long line of faithful servants who do more than remember the day as a federal holiday, but actively seek to perpetuate peace, healing, understanding and restoration to our veterans, their families and those communities ravaged by conflict. I remember you in my prayers.
Rev. Dennis E. Hysom, Executive Director, Presbyterian Federal Chaplaincies, and a retired Army Chaplain
Daily Readings
Today’s Focus: Veterans Day
Let us join in prayer for:
PC(USA) Agencies’ Staff
Chandra Wilson, Customer Service Representative, Hubbard Press
Melaina Wilson, Marketing Program Assistant, Presbyterian Foundation
Let us pray
Loving God, you know how deep wounds go. You know that many of our veterans, families, caregivers and communities suffer from the trauma of combat, and you feel that pain in their lives. You know the memories that haunt them and the scars that many of them continue to carry. O merciful Savior, bring healing to those veterans who still hurt. Please grant patience and wisdom to those around them who cannot understand but can sometimes help. Permit both physical and spiritual healing to wounds that remain. For this we pray in your most holy name. Amen.
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