Mass was celebrated this morning for the People of the Parish / Ints. Catherine Gibbs (ill). Here are Fr Richard's words for today:
Pray for them
Remembrance Sunday has a particular significance for our parishes. We are, of course, home to the biggest British military garrison in the world, which played such a significant role in both world wars. We also recall those who served at the Green Howards’ Richmond Barracks and other camps around the Dales.
To 'remember' those who sacrificed their lives in defence of our country is the focus of today. As Catholics, though, we not only say "we will remember them", but also "we will pray for them." It's our call to pray for the fallen, to commend their souls to God Our Father. It’s why the Church in our country gives permission for a Mass for the Dead to be celebrated on Remembrance Sunday, the offering of the greatest prayer for the fallen. We are confident in this prayer because of the sure hope St Paul reminds us of in today’s second reading: “We believe that Jesus died and rose again, and that it will be the same for those who have died in Jesus: God will bring them with him.”
Therefore, amid our sadness at the tragic loss of so many in conflict, we also celebrate a victory – Christ’s victory over sin and death which opens up for victims of war, for all of humanity, the way to the heavenly banquet. Again, St Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians tells us “not to grieve about [the dead] like the other people who have no hope.” Rather, St Paul reminds us to look forward to the triumphant second coming of Christ, when those who have died in Him will “meet the Lord in the air” and be with Him forever. “With such thoughts as these you should comfort one another.” (1 Thess 4:18)
With such a sure hope of eternal life, let us pray that the countless lost in conflict may now enjoy the victory of Christ over death in the courts of heaven. As the Entrance Antiphon for today’s Mass for the Dead said: “Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord, and fill their souls with splendour.”
We also pray for the protection of all those currently serving at Catterick Garrison. We especially pray for Father Paul McCourt who, with his regiment, is being deployed to Mali for a UN peacekeeping tour.
No comments:
Post a Comment