THIS coming weekend marks Remembrance Sunday when throughout the land communities will gather at cenotaphs and war memorials to remember those who have suffered and died in the service of their country in the Armed Forces.

This year is perhaps more poignant than others as we are marking the centenary of what we now know as the First World War. As in our own towns and villages of Craven, memorials have been erected in places of prominence on high streets and in village squares, telling to all who pass by a story of past conflict, that is also sadly a reminder of present conflict. As it cannot be right that there exist situations where armed conflict is the only resolution; so it is never wrong to give honour and respect to those who within such situations behave with courage and composure, with discipline, and with a sense of duty and sacrifice.

Christians are very familiar with the phrase 'blessed are the peacemakers'. It is one of the Beatitudes and is a salutary reminder that peace is not merely the absence of war, but rather that peace is made. Furthermore making peace is an activity in which anyone can engage. Those we remember this weekend acted; those who are serving now also act, and action is not be limited to them. Each person can and should act every single day to root out whatever it is within us that impels us to conflict; whatever misguides us to turn our face against others, rather than to stretch out our hand in friendship. Each and every one of us acting to make peace is what will change the world.

Mgr Andrew Summersgill

St Stephen’s

Skipton