Memorial of Saint Cecilia, virgin and martyr
(Revelation 10:8-11; Luke 19: 45-48)
In today’s first reading the seer John is told to eat the
scroll that tells of the future. When he
does, it sweetens his tongue but sours his stomach. What could the scroll say other than prophesy
about a war that is about to take place?
Wars begin with the call to glory. Young men are puffed up with ambition. They enjoy for a while the fanfare which
people bountifully bestow. Soon enough,
however, the reality of soldiering will erase the glamor of war from their
minds. The arduous waiting, the fear of
dying, the reality of being hurt and seeing companions die, all create a very
bitter experience.
We should not look for war.
At times it may be necessary to defend goodness. Still going into battle is not to be celebrated. Rather it should occasion penance and
prayer. Penance prepares the soldier for
death, and prayer commends him or her to God’s mercy.
