A Reflection on the

5^th Anniversary of the War on Terrorism

 

Our Catholic faith is one of peace. 

"Peace I give to you. My peace I leave with you."

Yet sometimes we find ourselves in the midst of military conflicts. At the present time, we find ourselves in the midst of another conflict that threatens to encompass the globe.

 How do we respond as Catholics?

 

We can respond in charity to the Catholic members of the military and the families they have left behind.

· Pray for our military and their families

· Write to those who are serving overseas.

· Visit their families to offer comfort.

· Ask if they are in need of material goods or services during their time of separation.

· Pray for the intercession of specific Saints who have come to the aid of those in the military service, and to those who were military martyrs

 

Prayer for Soldiers

 

Dear Lord,

There's a young man far from home,
called to serve his nation in time of war;
sent to defend our freedom
on some distant foreign shore.
We pray You keep him safe,
we pray You keep him strong,
we pray You send him safely home ...
for he's been away so long.

There's a young woman far from home,
serving her nation with pride.
Her step is strong, her step is sure,
there is courage in every stride.
We pray You keep her safe,
we pray You keep her strong,
we pray You send her safely home ...
for she's been away too long.

Bless those who await their safe return.

Bless those who mourn the lost.
Bless those who serve this country well,
no matter what the cost.

 

We ask this through your Son, Jesus Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, One God, Forever and ever. AMEN.