"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."
Its been over 40 years since I have given war and it's consequences much thought. I don't know why it is coming back this year. I'm beginning to understand why veterans don't want to talk about war. Civilians talk about the horrors of war, the death and destruction as if they have been there. They think the 6:00pm news tells the whole story. They consider interviews with "heroes" that have come back as gospel. Neither is true. A few minuets of coverage on the news is only a few minutes of an event that lasted several years, it isn't even a summary. Interviews are filtered through a man's life, from birth through the end of the interview, every man tells a different story.
Why are soldiers interviewed in the first place? They do not start wars. Wars are started by rulers, kings, emperors and presidents. Soldiers only carry out orders of those who wield power over them. In America, during the 1960s our young men upon reaching the age of 18 were conscripted into combat or sent to prison. They did not start the war. In the 1960s, we, the United States were the invaders; and then, as now, it was not called a war, it was a "military action." Then, as now, the soldiers that do the invading are not the ones who started the war.
Wars and "military actions" are started by governments that either want power or want to display power. Men and women in uniform do nothing more than follow orders sent down to them by governments.
Yesterday was "memorial" day, a day set aside to honor those who did not come back from war. We at St. Peter Catholic Church had a Mass to honor and remember those who fell in battle. Our Deacon gave a very touching homily, I could tell, it meant a lot to him. But, for some reason, that particular homily left a lingering question that has been hiding in my soul for over 40 years...Who prays for the wives, children, brothers and sisters of the men that I killed?
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. ... If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect."
I'm an active member of Knights of Columbus, a global Catholic fraternal service organization. It serves as a mutual aid society, providing support and charitable services to its members and their communities. Many of the members of my council are veterans. If I said I pray for the families of those I killed in war, I fear that many of the veterans would say I offend America with such a statement; or worse, accuse me of treason.
Loving one's enemy is not easy, it has taken me over 40 years to understand and act on those feelings deep inside me. Now, those feelings are bringing up a new question from my soul. Who is my enemy? Those who I am ordered to kill by government agency? Or those who are offended by me praying for the families of those who perished on both sides of the battle line?
I think many Americans forget "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven."
I believe and will forever follow that a true Christian man, no matter what religion, should pray for all families of those who fall in battle, no matter which side they were on. This is the will of God.