Comment by Harborough churches: Remembrance time, together with the Covid restrictions, is a reminder that we are called to make sacrifices for each other

Viewpoint by the Rev James Pickersgill, team vicar at St Dionysius

This current season of remembering in our churches and society has naturally been different to previous years but no-less poignant for it. There is a Hebrew word, Mitzvah, which literally means “good deed” – the purpose of our gathering and remembering.

During Lockdown 2, as once again we have begun to socially distance from each other, we have none-the-less drawn closer to those who we especially remember at this time. They range from precious loved ones, who we still love but see no longer, to the Unknown Warrior, known only to God.

In more normal times we would have gathered at public memorials in our hundreds to honour the children, women and men who gave of themselves in so many different ways that we might be free. Technology that wasn’t available during the world wars for families to stay in touch with loved ones has been invaluable to us, as we mark significant milestone events via TV and the internet, never glorifying war but being thankful for those who sought peaceful conclusions.

To stand on our doorsteps to remember at 11am on Remembrance Sunday brings a two-fold comparison. Without the wartime commitments of many people, living in our comfortable homes wouldn’t have been possible. And being asked to “sacrifice” a few weeks to stay at home is a far cry from the rations and trenches they endured.

All through history, people have sacrificed themselves for the sake of others. The ferry, the Herald of Free Enterprise, capsized outside Zeebrugge Harbour on the 6 th March 1987, sadly killing many people. One of the passengers, Andrew Parker, saw two metal barriers above his head and stretching between them, made himself a human bridge. People were able to climb up his body to safety. In this way, 20 people’s lives were saved.

On the cross, Jesus bridged the gap between God whose purposes are altogether good, loving and just, and sinful human beings who throughout history have gone their own way, with disagreement, division and war an inevitable result. Jesus’ death made it possible for us to have a relationship with God again despite our wrong turns.

The Kohima Epitaph is carved on the Memorial of the 2nd British Division in the cemetery of Kohima (North-East India). It reads: “When You Go Home, Tell Them Of Us And Say, For Your Tomorrow, We Gave Our Today.”

That, of course, is what parents do for their children all the time in small and sometimes large ways. This Remembrance time, together with the Covid restrictions, is a reminder that we are also called to make sacrifices for each other’s longer term health and welfare.

In a world which has been so often torn apart by hatred and division, may we be Bridge Builders of Peace – not in a passive way but continuing to sacrifice our own interests for others in the way we live, following the supreme example of Jesus our Saviour, who performed the ultimate Mitzvah for us all.