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A spiritual comment and prayer to begin the day with Tim Thornton, Bishop to the Armed Forces

Good morning.

One of the elements of remembering is to retell the stories of what happened. At this time of year in particular many veterans will be retelling their stories. This year more than ever it will be important for this to happen especially as so many of the gatherings that normally take place cannot happen. The stories are crucial they share and communicate the reality. Words shape actions.

Of course for so many of us who have not taken part or been there when the wars and conflict took place it is even more important that we hear the stories. As the stories are told and re told the language inevitably changes.

However the language changes it cannot change the reality both of what happened and that so many of us were not there, did not experience it.

For me with the privilege of meeting so many members of the armed forces I am reminded at this time of year both of the pain of all that has happened and also of the way in which, whilst I was not there, I can therefore commit myself to ensure I do not simply stand and watch but I take part in making a difference about life now.

Remembrance is not only about then it is about now. The language must change, and the words should make a difference and result in our actions.

Empower me to be a bold participant, rather than a timid saint in waiting, in the difficult ordinariness of now.
to exercise the authority of honesty, rather than to defer to power, or deceive to get it.
to influence someone for justice, rather than impress anyone for gain and,
by grace, to find treasures of joy, of friendship, of peace
hidden in the fields of the daily you give me to plough.

Amen.

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