On Memorial Day, we remember the men and women who have served in the military and fought in battles and did not return home. We remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice so that we can be free.

As Catholics, we have many saints who did the same for the faith. The martyrs gave their lives because they knew it was more important to stand up and defend God and teach of His mercy and forgiveness than to conform to the world around them.

The sacrifice the martyrs made does not compare to the unmatched sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. He was without sin but died in our place as sinners who deserve death and destroyed death that we might live with him. Jesus knew that we were sinners and did not deserve to be saved. However, He laid down His life for us.

Let us remember all of the people who have died for us to live. The soldiers who never made it home to allow the country to be free. The martyrs who died for the glory of God. And Jesus who died to save us from death and sin.