Dear Saints,

This past Tuesday we celebrated Veterans Day. It’s fitting that just a week after exercising our right to determine the peaceful transfer of authority from one set of elected officials to another, we would pause to remember those who defend that right. As the Most Reverend Timothy P. Broglio, archbishop of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA has said: “Even the privilege to hold differing opinions and to express them openly is a result of the sacrifice of a few for all.”

The United States Conference for Catholic Bishops has published a prayer for members of our armed forces, asking God to bless them with, among other things, his “gentle love.” It’s a striking petition when you think about the task - and training - facing our soldiers, sailors, and airmen. “Gentle” does not really fit within the typical notion of military prowess.

Yet gentleness is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. By its very nature, it must be the ideal for everyone, including defenders of the nation. That makes sense when you think about Jesus. One definition of gentleness is “disciplined strength.” It is the power to act harshly but the choice to seek the good of the other through mildness of word, tone, and action, especially when provoked.

We should keep those who serve and have served close in our hearts and minds - not just on November 11th, but every day. In addition to prayers of thanksgiving for their sacrifice and petitions of protection for their safety, we pray that God’s gentleness be poured over their lives. We ask that, no matter what trial they must endure or tribulation they must overcome, he would make each of our warriors a lion with a lamb’s heart.

Christ’s Peace,

Father Daniel

δοῦλος Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ