Remembrance Sunday is always held on the Sunday nearest to 11th November, Armistice Day, the anniversary of the end of hostilities in the first World War at 11am in 1918. 11th November is also the feast day of St Martin of Tours – the soldier who became a saint. He served in the Roman cavalry in Gaul, but left military service at some point prior to 361. The story is related that when he was on duty one bitterly cold night he took his sword and, after cutting his soldier’s cloak in two, gave half of his cloak to a beggar on the roadside. Later that night Martin dreamed that he had given half of his soldier’s cloak to Christ.
We all know that our world today is existing in very troubled times. It is very important that we nurture our Christian hope in times like these. No matter how hard or threatening things become, it is very important that we continue to live our lives in hope. The central Christian message is a story of hope. God in the person of Christ was crucified – but God raised Jesus from the dead. What was true for Jesus, can be true also for us.
God’s inclusive love, as revealed to us in Jesus Christ, is what we are all about. May God continue to bless you all as you seek to further the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ through love of God and our neighbour, as you live out that love here in the Eastbourne area and beyond in our very needy and troubled world.
The prayer of consecration of the gifts of bread and wine ends with the words: “Do this in memory of me.” ,These words were spoken by one who will never forget us, never abandon us, never overlook us. As our Lord remembers us, we need to remember him. His teachings. His miracles. His mercy. His example.
This is part of our prayer during this month of November as we remember those we love, those we have lost — but also remembering and praying for those we don’t even know. This year due to the trouble caused by Covid-19, in a departure from our usual practice of entering names ourselves of those we wish to be remembered please phone the Parish secretary, Jackie, and leave the names you wish to be added and I will ensure that they are added regularly during November. As we pray for those we love in this month of November we ask God to increase our trust that all will be well. Our faith tells us that when we die we will be safe in the hands of God.
Let us now pause in silence for 2 Minutes as we remember all those who have died in war and also those whose names are in the Book of Remembrance.
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When the Irish writer Frank McCourt died, Mitch Albom, a friend of his, wrote: “Smiling is the best cradle in which to rock your memories.” So, as you recall your memories of those you love, do try to ensure that they make you smile.
Let us pray: May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.