Remembrance Sunday

Below is one of the images I intend to use on Sunday. In 1999 Annette and I had a wonderful holiday in Italy which included a visit to the Monastery founded at Monte Cassino by Benedict in the 6th Century. From there the Benedictine order began and spread across the world. Monte Cassino was also the site of ferocious battle during the second world war. Many soldiers lost their lives and the monastery was badly damaged. The monastery was rebuilt and now stands above a cemetery where over 4000 British and Commonwealth service personnel are buried or commemorated. The image captures the monastery overlooking the cemetery. It brings the thought of Jesus overlooking Jerusalem on the first Palm Sunday, weeping and saying "If you, even you,had only recognised on this day the things that make for peace".
The monastery, a place of study, worship and prayer, overlooking a stark reminder of the consequences of conflict. If only we could recognise the things that make for peace.