On Anzac Day, we are reminded that countless men and women gave up their comfort and their lives in order to defend and fight for the freedoms that we enjoy today. Young soldiers travelled to distant lands to fight in horrible conditions in defence of freedom and for the love of those they left behind. They thought of others before they thought of themselves. Anzac Day is a day where we are reminded that we should remember their sacrifice and this should lead us to thankfulness for what they did for us. Moreover, we are to remember their model of selfless action for others. How will we continue to honour and respect them for what they did? We will continue to uphold and be ever thankful for what they gave themselves for, and we should learn to continually think of others and of their good.

Jesus said “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends …” (John 15:13–14). We are reminded that about 2,000 years ago, Jesus lay down his life for the benefit of those he loved. There is no greater act of love. In a world which is increasingly dismissive of Jesus’ action and his words, may we remember his example of selfless love, and may we also be ever thankful for what he achieved on that Cross and especially the benefit of him rising from the dead on the third day.

St Phils Editorial