Not Just Dying for Freedom, But Living Into It: The Mystery of Memorial Day
Fr. Hugh Gillespie, SMM
Not Just Dying for Freedom, But Living Into It: The Mystery of Memorial Day
This Memorial Day Homily discusses the dual nature of the holiday: . . .
. . . a time of remembrance and a celebration of life. While modern culture often focuses on barbecues and the start of summer, the core of Memorial Day is about honoring those who gave their lives in service to others. The Homily draws a parallel between the sacrifices of fallen soldiers and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, highlighting the Christian view of true freedom . . . not as personal indulgence, but as the ability to lay oneself down for others.
The Homily underscores that freedom and goodness are both fragile and great, demanding sacrifice and vigilance. True greatness comes not from dying for a cause but from living for one, especially when that cause is rooted in truth, goodness, and love.
Memorial Day, then, is not just about past sacrifice but about how we live moving forward . . . grateful, purposeful, and committed to values that are greater than ourselves. The liturgy and the Eucharist reinforce this call, as Christ continually offers Himself to us, showing the model of sacrificial love we are to follow.
Listen to:
Not Just Dying for Freedom, But Living Into It: The Mystery of Memorial Day
A Quote from the Homily
What a remarkable mystery this is. The laying aside of himself that Jesus uses to save us as we gather here on this day. And we remember that all of those fallen, laid themselves aside too, some reluctantly, some grudgingly, many willingly. But why?
Because goodness is worth defending. Goodness is on the one hand. Fragile Freedom on the one hand is very fragile. It can easily be lost, easily misused, easily be taken away, and yet, on the other hand, it is great because it is such a good thing. It calls sacrifice from those who value it. Goodness can easily be lost.
Goodness can easily be laid aside. Goodness, on the one hand, has a fragility about it. And yet within that fragility is its greatness because it demands to be defended. It demands to be respected. It calls out from those who value it, the gift even of themselves.
Not Just Dying for Freedom, But Living Into It: The Mystery of Memorial Day : AI and Queen of All Hearts’ Digital Team: 2025
This website showcases masterpieces from centuries of art. Occasionally, the Queen of All Hearts’ Digital Team enhances the collection with Artificial Intelligence Art . . . a modern approach to creating art using AI technology. To gain a deeper insight into God’s actions, listen to the accompanying Homily.
Return to Meditation Media
Gospel Reading: John 15: 26 — 16: 4
First Reading: Acts 16: 11-15
Not Just Dying for Freedom, But Living Into It: The Mystery of Memorial Day
