23 October 2014
Today, Canadians are grieving the deaths of two members of the Canadian Armed Forces at the hands of terrorists this week.
Our military has a proud history; hundreds of thousands have given their lives in the defence of freedom – not only for our freedom, but for the freedom of people in distant nations. They serve valiantly to maintain our security. This week they were attacked on home soil.
Please join me in praying for everyone in our armed forces and specifically for the families and friends of the fallen men – Corporal Nathan Cirillo and Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent.
The attack yesterday on our Parliament was an attack on every Canadian, because it was an attack on our democracy, our values and our way of life. Although it was intended to instill fear, I pray God will cause us – and our leaders – to turn instead to Him.
Pray for wisdom for our leaders and all those who serve us in government, both elected and unelected. Pray for safety for our police and emergency response personnel. And pray for comfort for each one who was directly affected by the attacks.
Yesterday’s events make the war on terror very personal. As Christians, we know that violence such as we have witnessed this week is a manifestation of the spiritual battle in which we are called to be engaged. As the Apostle Paul instructs in Ephesians 6, “…take up the whole armor of God that you may be able to withstand in the evil day… ” God has given us all we need to stand firm. We are defended by the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith and the helmet of salvation. We are to be armed with the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God. And our footwear is the gospel of peace.
Let us pray for those who are caught up in this hatred, and actively seek to extend to them the gospel of peace.
My prayer is that we, as individuals and as a nation, will be shaken from our complacency and turn to God.
In just a few days, when the Anglican Network in Canada holds its annual synod at St Peter & St Paul’s Anglican Church in Ottawa, just blocks from yesterday’s shooting, we will devote focused time on praying for our nation.
The Right Reverend Charlie Masters
