May 25, 2025

Tomorrow is Memorial Day, a national holiday set aside to honor all those who lost their lives while serving in the United States military.  Many among us are thinking this weekend of lost loved ones, relatives, friends, and fellow service members who died in the line of duty, those who went missing in action, or those whose deaths came later from the effects of emotional or physical trauma, moral injury, or exposure to hazardous materials.  We grieve their suffering and mourn their deaths with humility. Let us honor them as we pray for the safety of those now serving.  Let us honor them as we pray for peace

Let us pray.  O Spirit of Love, divine mystery giving us life and receiving us at the end of life, we pause on this day to reflect on this day. Bless all those who need a blessing—a blessing of courage, of hope, of peace. Hold us together in community, where we might find support and strength among one another.  In our times of grief, confusion, and hardship, remind us of the power we hold in the choice to act with kindness.  Help us to be present with ourselves and with others.  Help us to be grateful for the simple gifts of every day.  Remind us of the love which calls us to bring our best hopes and our best selves into this day and every day. Amen.