Thought for Veterans Day

The following excerpt is from “The Martyred Christian” by Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a courageous young German pastor executed by the Nazis for his part in the so-called officer’s plot to overthrow Hitler. Bonhoeffer’s life exemplified his commitment to Christian discipleship; that is to live actively, powerfully, and deliberately in the real world.

Recognized as a gifted theologian at the advent of the Second World War, Bonhoeffer was offered sanctuary in America, but chose instead to return to Germany and bear witness to Christian faith in the face of the Third Reich. For his defiance of the authorities and their glorification of the Reich and treatment of the Jews to the exclusion of God, he was arrested, imprisoned, tortured, and finally, executed.

The Friend (excerpted)

When the spirit touches man’s heart and brow
With thoughts that are lofty, bold, serene,
So that with clear eyes he will face the world
As a free man may;
When then the spirit gives birth to action
By which we stand alone or fall;
When from the sane and resolute action
Rises the work that gives a man’s life
Content and meaning—then would that man
Lonely and actively working, know of the spirit
That grasps and befriends him, like waters,
Clear and refreshing where the spirit is cleansed
From the dust and cooled from the heat that oppressed him,
Steeling himself in the hour of fatigue—
Like a fortress to which, from confusion and danger,
The spirit returns,
Wherein he finds refuge and comfort and strengthening,
Is a friend to a friend.

Diane Fausel