The 11th Hour of the 11th Day of the 11th Month

The war to end all wars ended on 11/11/1918. With its end, Veteran’s Day was established. In response to the sacrifice of millions lost in the war, the Paris Peace Conference was convened in 1920 and the League of Nations was born. The League of Nations remained in place for 26 years. After yet another world war, the United Nations was formed at the end of the WWII.

As I read human history, I’m not sure if the human animal is wired for peace. The way of peace was rejected and destroyed. Jesus, God incarnate, is the source and essence of non-violence and peace. The only hope I see is that somehow, His Cross was picked-up, and carried into salvation history by people seeking peace.

I don’t know any combat veteran who does not have some level of post-traumatic stress disorder. We are told that PTSD, through suicide, is taking more soldiers than the battlefield. If there is anyone seeking peace, it is our Veterans. Taking time to pray for the men and women who carry physical, emotional, and spiritual scars is something we all can do at 11:00 a.m. on 11/11/2020. After all, the wounds they live with are the price paid for our freedom and safety.

This reflection was written in 2015. Today I would like to remember all those on the front lines fighting the Covid virus. Over 200,000 people have died in the U.S., and for each one there are several healthcare professionals who worked on different days and on different shifts fighting the good fight. They too, are carrying the physical, emotional, and spiritual scars of war. Unfortunately, this battle is still being fought all over the world. With a vaccine coming soon there is hope for peace and healing. May it be so.