Oct. 30: Journey for a War Hero

Sixty-one year-old John Moore of Gallup, New Mexico, is the type of person who honors war heroes from the past in word and action.  Father Emil Kapaun, a chaplain in the Korean War who died in a POW camp, holds a special place in his heart.

After learning of Father Kapaun’s brave exploits, which included rescuing a wounded soldier while being fired upon, Moore trekked 630 miles from New Mexico to the priest’s home parish in Pilsen, Kansas.  The goal?  Raise awareness for Father Kapaun’s canonization cause as well as attempts to have him posthumously recognized with the Medal of Honor.

Moore’s expedition was made all the more arduous by the fact he had a wooden cross strapped to his back, which he intended to have erected in honor of Father Kapaun.  He never complained because he believed the priest was worthy of the sacrifice.  “I don’t want any recognition for this,” Moore declared. “I just look at myself as the donkey carrying Christ.”

Indeed, through our God-given talents and gifts, we are called upon to carry the message of Christ to others.

Show yourself in all respects a model of good works.

(Titus 2:7)

Lord, may we use our gifts to spread Your loving promise.