Main content
Sorry, this episode is not currently available

11/11/2017

A spiritual comment and prayer to begin the day with the Reverend Andrew Martlew, former Army Chaplain.

2 minutes

Last on

Sat 11 Nov 2017 05:43

Script

Good morning.
One of the stained glass windows in York Minster is dedicated to the officers and men, and their wives and children of the 51st Regiment who died of cholera in1861.Β  It says, β€œThey also died for their country.Β  Forget them not”.
Today we will remember those who died in the fighting that ended in 1918, and in wars and conflicts ever since.Β  We will think of the men and women in uniform, in the trenches of Flanders, the hedgerows of Normandy, the roads and villages of Afghanistan.Β  And that is right and proper.Β  It is vital that we remember the true cost of war, and that we shouldΒ  continue to pray, no matter how naΓ―ve or optimistic it seems, that humanity will yet learn to live in peace, and so truly honour those who died.
But it would be no bad thing if, for a moment or two across this Remembrance weekend, we let our focus slip.Β  To think about those who didn’t die, but whose lives have been changed by injuries to body or mind.Β  The families of those who never came home, and the families who lived – and live today – with people who have changed.Β  And the people – the women, children and men – killed or maimed in what we call today β€œcollateral damage”.Β  Recent events around the world remind us that anyone may find themselves in the front line, just as the civilians of London or Dresden did when the bombers flew over.
Lord God, as we remember those who have died in the service of their country,
may we also keep in mind those not in the front line who were killed or injured,
by accident or design, when people forgot that you created us as brothers and sisters, to live in peace with one another.
Amen

Broadcast

  • Sat 11 Nov 2017 05:43

"Time is passing strangely these days..."

"Time is passing strangely these days..."

Uplifting thoughts and hopes for the coronavirus era from Salma El-Wardany.