ANZAC DAY
Readings:
Isaiah 9:1-6
1 Corinthians 1:18-25
John 12:23-28
Reflection:
Ode of Remembrance
They shall not grow old, As we grow old;
Age shall not weary them nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun And in the morning
We will remember them
R/ We will remember them
Lest we forget
Luke 24:42 ’Jesus remember me when you come into your kingdom’ is the predominant scripture text that comes to mind on this ANZAC DAY. This day is a time of remembering all those who died as a result of war and civil discord. Deceased military personnel, casualties of war and all those who gave their lives that others could live in peace These are the people we remember today. In the text from Luke the victim, Jesus gives to the thief forgiveness and an entry into the peace of his Father’s home. Though he is about to breathe his last Jesus forgives and new life, eternal life is given and received. The peace we seek can only be given through walking the way of Jesus.
Let us take up the words of the Old Testament writer Is 2:4, calling us to beat our swords into ploughshares and our spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation nor will they train for war anymore. Come to the house of Jacob, let us walk in the light of the Lord. Let this be our prayer today as we witness many thousands of people walk in the ANZAC DAY march.
Fr Peter Addicoat CP is parish priest and community leader of our St Joseph’s parish/community in Hobart Tasmania.