A somber Memorial Day weekend invites Americans to rethink how we act toward others.
“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lays down his life for his friends. You are my friends, if you do what I command you” (John 15:12-14).
Normally this is a happy holiday, with get-togethers, pools opening, summer beginning. And yes, we honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for the sake of our freedom. Our parades, ceremonies and patriotic displays of the flag are sincere, but soon we’re back to whatever pleasant things we’ve planned for the long weekend. Normally we’re distanced from the sacrifice of laying down your life for another. Not this weekend.
Who cannot see that “greater love” shown by those on the front lines against the coronavirus? While many of us are staying distant, doctors, nurses, police, EMTs, and many others are putting their health and lives on the line to serve our society. Like those wearing military uniforms who died for us, today’s heroes wearing personal protection equipment also command our deepest, lasting respect. “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lays down his life for his friends.”
Last week our Board of Regents met. As we were talking about the impact of the pandemic upon churches and the Seminary, Dr. Paul Edmon brought up an article he had read. The article suggests that one possible result of this present crisis could be a revival of religious practice in America. Time will tell, but think what a resurgence of religion would do. It would diminish the block-headed partisanship that has harmed our life together and kept us from uniting with one another to serve the common good. How many Americans will use this somber Memorial Day weekend to rethink how we act toward one another?
If you and I are called to sacrifice, we will, for Jesus’ sake. “I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide… These things I command you, so that you will love one another” (John 15:15-17).