In the church’s silence, the see-through soldier silhouette stands as a poignant reminder that asks us to pay heed to the absent warrior who did not return, leaving a conspicuous gap in our midst.
This void within our community provides a window into the harsh realities of war. It unveils the haunting spectre of death, the shattering loss of innocence, and the wounds, both visible and concealed, borne by those who come back. This space compels us to confront the horrors of conflict, the harshness of mortality, and the enduring scars etched into the souls of survivors.
Yet, within this emptiness, we discern more than the echoes of despair. The soldier’s silhouette reveals courage, standing resolute, unyielding bravery, selflessness that transcends chaos, and sacrifices that echo the divine sacrifice of Jesus. In this void, we encounter the paradox of a fuller humanity, where virtues shine amidst the darkness.
Amidst the horror, it is crucial to maintain sight of the divine presence in this gap. God’s love, akin to a steady heartbeat, resonates through the emptiness, prompting us to remember the fallen soldiers and the gaps they’ve left—the voids in our collective soul, the unspoken dreams, and the silenced laughter.
As we view the gap that the soldier leaves, let our remembrance of them be more than sorrow; let it be a solemn pledge that we will commit to filling the gaps with the warmth of peace, healing the wounds with understanding, and honour the fallen by dedicating ourselves to a world where we do not need to add any more to the number of those lost to war alongside the see-through soldier.
” Blessed are the peacemakers, ” said Jesus, amidst almost contradictory statements like ” blessed are those who mourn. ” In these words, we glimpse the truth of who Jesus is. In this gap, we understand that they are blessed because God will accompany us through the pain and sacrifice, offering to walk with us on seemingly hopeless paths.
May the God of peace ignite our hearts, fortify our resolve, and empower us to be instruments of the peace we seek. In the face of war’s gaps, let our promise be crystal clear: we will strive for a world where love triumphs over hate, compassion extinguishes the fires of conflict, and the silhouette sacrifices turn into the brilliance of a united humanity.
Let peace be our anthem, love our guiding light, and our remembrance a catalyst for a better, more compassionate world. Amen.