“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16
“As there are many kinds of persecution, so there are many kinds of martyrdom. Every day you are a witness of Christ. You were tempted by the spirit of fornication, but feared the coming judgment of Christ and did not want your purity of mind and body to be defiled; you are a martyr of Christ. You were tempted by the spirit of avarice, but remembered God’s law and saw your duty to give help, not act unjustly; you are a witness to Christ. You were tempted by the spirit of pride but saw the poor and the needy and looked with loving compassion on them, and love humility rather than arrogance: you are a witness to Christ. What is more, your witness was not in word only but in deed.”
Ambrose of Milan (c. 339-397) in Psalm 118 as recounted Milton Walsh in Witness of the Saints: Patristic Readings in the Liturgy of the Hours (San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 2012) 535.
Today is Memorial Day in the USA.
We remember soldiers who gave their lives in service, and I also like to remember the saints whose witness led to their martyrdom. Both the soldiers and the saints gave their lives.
Thanks generosity with great love.
Notice Ambrose reminds us that when we resist the temptations to fornication, avarice, and pride, we appear as pure, generous, and humble. Let’s make that our aim in word and deed.
And let us also honor the fallen in Ukraine today.
As the war rages on, it could be easy for the troops to become discouraged or feel defeated. Jenni and I will travel to Ukraine and Moldova in June and July for strategic meetings, to offer relief, and encourage refugees.
Their situation reminds me of Theoden’s words in The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers.
“Look at my men. Their courage hangs by a thread. If this is to be our end, then I would have them make such an end, as to be worthy of remembrance.”
While the Russians fight to win a war, the Ukrainians are fighting to defend their homeland.
And those who witness to Jesus Christ, also suffer in many places around the world for their faith right now. For a example as recent as last week, a GTP staff member witnessed this in Laos while doing program work there.
Happy Memorial Day, everyone.
Let us remember with thanksgiving the service of soldiers and saints. Let us choose purity, generosity, and humility, so our lives honor their sacrifice and follow their example to shine like lights for Jesus in word and deed.