8 November - Twenty-fourth Sunday after Pentecost – Year A Remembrance Sunday

The Faith Action Programme would like to thank Jo Love, Wild Goose Resource Group, for her thoughts on the 24th Sunday after Pentecost, Remembrance Sunday.

Introduction

Editors' note:Many will gather on Remembrance Day and follow familiar forms of worship, perhaps using Common Order, or well-formed traditions that include Uniformed Organisations and rituals and practices that invite remembrance and reverence. However you meet and lead the people in worship, it is important to hold space to remember and to hope, to balance how we understand war and what we know of peace and how we recognise the Prince of Peace within our midst.

Jo Love's material today invites and challenges us as we gather with God on this important day in both the Christian and civic calendar – providing exegeses that powerfully speak to our contemporary context and offering litanies and acts that draw us into thoughtful and prayerful ways of being together in our worship.

Wisdom of Solomon 6:12-20

This passage comes from a much longer poetic speech on the value of wisdom, attributed to King Solomon, whose reign was one of the least warring periods in Old Testament history. Solomon is remembered for his wisdom, and this passage is an evocative call to seek wisdom in our lives.

Wisdom is wonderfully personified here as a feminine presence, not passive or elusive but proactively coming to meet those who seek her. "Wisdom begins when you sincerely want to learn" (v17) – what a powerful line, no place for arrogance, but the celebration of teachability; the recognition of not knowing it all; the genuine openness to listen and take in new information and gain fresh perspectives.

A quote from John Steinbeck contrasts this desire to learn with its absence – "All war is a symptom of man's (sic) failure as a thinking animal." His contemporary Isaac Asimov put it even more starkly: "Violence is the last refuge of the incompetent."

War reflects the inability to resolve issues through reason and understanding. Violence replaces thinking when wisdom is absent. True progress requires critical thinking and thoughtful solutions, the wise use of intelligence over brute force.

So this passage speaks powerfully to situations where peace is under threat. Whether in personal or international relations, what if the first question was always, "What do I need to learn? What am I willing to learn? Am I behaving teachably in this moment?"

How much do we actually see of this eager thirst for wisdom? How much do we see of utterly contrasting desires, characterised perhaps by the refusal to learn?

How would it sound to hear the passage rewritten as the personification not of wisdom but of war? Based on the Good News version (including verse 21), I tried just such a reframing, and below is what came of it. I found this quite startling, because it touches on truth. It could be that the two readings are delivered one after the other, and allowed to sink in.

War tarnishes and ever grows dim;
those who love war and look for war can easily find war.
War is quick to make itself known to anyone who desires war.

Get up early in the morning to find war, and you will have no problem;
you will find war sitting at your door.
To fasten your attention on war is to lose all understanding.
If you look for war, you will soon lose peace of mind,
because war will be looking for those who are worthy of war,
and war will find you wherever you are.
War is cruel and will be with you in your every thought.

War begins when you stop wanting to learn.

To desire war is to love war;
to love war is to break laws;
to break laws is to be certain of killing;
killing will not bring you close to God.

This desire for war can prepare you to lose a kingdom.
So then, you that rule the nations, if you value your thrones and symbols of authority,
do not honour war so that you may not lose everything.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

This passage is an excerpt from a letter to a very young church – one of the earliest writings in what we know as the New Testament. Paul's main motivation and intention was to encourage. He did not want death to bring a hopeless grieving.

We all sooner or later face the death of someone we love, and as the circumstances will vary enormously, so will the experience of grieving. Depending on what has happened, how do we feel about the promise of reunion with those who die before us? What if they were killed in war? What if they were fatally wounded by someone acting violently against them? Is it still possible to find encouragement, comfort, hope, in the promise of resurrection; the promise that death is not the end of our being together?

The promise of life with God beyond death is not an easy assurance in the midst of mourning, and perhaps especially not if it has been a violent death. Yet Jesus Himself died violently, wrongly accused and tortured and executed by a political system that saw His kingdom message as a threat. The One who comes to take us to God, is someone who suffered the horror and terror of dying a merciless death. This is the Jesus who stays with us while our earthly lives last – someone able to understand when it may feel like no one else possibly can.

If this passage is used, consider letting it be heard simply as a prayer that those who grieve do not grieve hopelessly.

Matthew 25:1-13

In the context of war and peace, where are the threads and events of this parable still happening in the world today?

It is another text about wisdom, specifically the contrast between wise action and foolish action. The one thing commended as the sign of being wise is carrying extra oil. Oil that might not be needed; oil that could end up being surplus to requirements. But to be wise, so the story says, is not to assume you will not need the extra. Have a contingency plan. What is the backup, just supposing the Bridegroom takes his time, unexpected or unlikely though that may be? To be wise is to prepare for that possibility. To be wise is to think ahead, to think through the ‘what ifs' and to ensure you have sufficient resources, however long the wait. Don't go with no extra oil.

What if we see a parallel with peace negotiations? What if this scenario is like the long haul of improving relationships, or trying to end a long-running dispute, or even an all-out war?

The symbolism of the extra flasks of oil could find an echo in our worship and give us a way to engage with the story in a symbolic action. Here is a suggested way to do so, with photos to illustrate it.

Prepare one or more tables in your worship space, and make them beautiful with cloths if needed. Place on each table a large unlit candle, surrounded with a number of glass flasks or jars – these need not all be identical – each containing some oil, and with a stopper or lid. Provide small baskets holding pens and/or pencils and some labels. The jars and labels should be of relative size that people can write 2-3 words on each label, and stick 2-3 labels around each jar. Enough jars, pens and labels for the size of your congregation.

After the reading and a short reflection as you wish, invite people to ponder what ‘extra oil' they think is needed to successfully resolve any current difficulties in an individual relationship, or in larger scale situations of tension and conflict in your neighbourhood or in the wider world. This initial pondering time could be in quietness, or in a short time of conversation in twos or threes. As soon as it starts, light the large candles.

Then invite people, if they wish, to go to one of the tables, and write on one or two labels what is the ‘extra oil' needed, then stick these on the jars. Have some gentle music to ‘cover' the time people spend engaging with this symbolic action.

Sermon ideas

The main theme is wisdom and the adequate resourcing of our efforts to make peace. I would suggest this is not a Sunday for conventional preaching, but rather to engage with the Bible passages and symbolic action as suggested.

If it seems appropriate, though, you could have a few people share the reading of this excerpt from the International Committee of the Red Cross ‘Humanitarian Outlook 2026'. It is grim, but it is a true picture of our world in need of change and constant prayer:

Armed conflict is now a defining feature of our time. Across continents, the rules and limits that should protect civilians in war are being stretched, ignored or dismantled. Conflicts are spreading, lasting longer, and becoming more complex. Civilians – the very people international humanitarian law exists to protect – are those who suffer the most.

Even for those who experience war only through the headlines, today's conflicts are shaping a future that will affect every one of us. The erosion of the rules of war is not confined to distant battlefields; it threatens the stability, security and values that underpin our societies and our lives, no matter where in the world we live.

Here are four converging trends pushing the world toward deeper instability and human suffering. They highlight a stark paradox: as needs rise rapidly, the resources available for principled humanitarian action are under growing strain.

A daily reality of living with war

The number of armed conflicts continues to climb, reaching around 130 in 2024 – more than double the number just 15 years ago. Over 20 conflicts have lasted for more than two decades, leaving entire generations who have known nothing but war.

Front lines today stretch across physical and digital worlds. The use of drones, artificial intelligence and cyber operations is accelerating and transforming the conduct of hostilities, too often with devastating effects on civilians. More than 204 million people now live in areas under the full or contested control of armed groups – beyond the reach of state institutions and basic services.

The consequences are severe:
Homes, hospitals, schools and water systems are destroyed.
Livelihoods collapse, displacing millions.
Families are torn apart: 284,000 people are registered as missing by the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement – a 70% increase in just one year.

Dehumanisation is spreading on all fronts

Across many conflicts, the shared sense of humanity that restrains violence is eroding. Dehumanising language – often echoed by political leaders or amplified through social media – fuels fear, polarises communities, and justifies violations.

This shift has real consequences. When people are stripped of their dignity through words or policy, the threshold for violence rises. Civilians are misidentified as threats; detainees are denied legal protections; humanitarian workers face suspicion or hostility.

Fear is killing us more than the lack of food. We are dying from the fear and anxiety we feel.

Principled humanitarian action is under threat

Humanitarian and medical workers are increasingly targeted, despite protections under international law. In 2024 alone: 338 attacks against humanitarian workers were recorded.
Over 600 attacks struck health facilities and personnel between 2023 and 2024.
27 Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers and staff were killed in 2025.
Neutral, impartial humanitarian action is being politicised, manipulated or obstructed. Access to people in need remains critically restricted in places such as Gaza and Al-Fashir, leaving civilians without essential assistance.

Victory at any cost, and global responsibility in retreat

Respect for international humanitarian law (IHL) is weakening. In many conflicts, military objectives take precedence over the obligation to protect civilian lives.

Hard power is resurging, and multilateral cooperation is at risk. Global defence spending reached 2.7 trillion USD in 2024, while the entire humanitarian system appealed for just 50 billion USD – an amount that still went unmet. This imbalance signals a world preparing for war, not peace.

from Humanitarian Outlook 2026: A World Succumbing to War | ICRC

Prayers

Call to worship
‘Wisdom shines bright and never grows dim.
Wisdom begins with the sincere desire to learn.'

On this difficult day of remembrance,
what will we dream of with God?

We dream of a world free from war.
We dream of people learning the ways of peace.
We dream of God's wisdom
alive in human hearts and minds.
So help us God, as we come to You in worship.

Gathering prayer
God of autumn days,
with us in the lengthening nights,
faithfully loving this revolving earth,
we know You are near
when peace breaks out.

This is Your desire –
that we do not live in fear;
that we are not suspicious or scathing of each other;
that we live well, side by side,
respecting and making room for each other.
Thank You God,
for all that we enjoy
when peace breaks out.

This is Your design –
that we live best in relationship;
that we are trusting and kind to each other,
that we co-operate, side by side,
listening and giving ground to each other.
Thank You God,
for all that satisfies us
when peace breaks out.

Thank You especially
for Your friendship and commitment to us.
So, as best we can,
we trust You,
we turn to You,
we find You waiting to welcome us again.
Peace breaks out
and with You beside us
we can face whatever comes.
Amen

Confession / Repentance
This prayer section is shaped as a Litany, with much of the wording based on quotes from a variety of sources – words of wisdom and insight on war, peace and the challenges we face. It could be read in four voices as indicated and would work well with a sung Kyrie. Best led reflectively, with good pauses.

1God of peace,
we sit in sorrow and lament
for every powerful leader who has chosen war,
for every civilian killed as they were trying to escape,
for every grieving survivor,
for every veteran and active combatant –
on every side of every costly failure to live in peace.
Holding in our thoughts the living and the dying,
the memorialised and the forgotten,
we ask You this –

God of peace,
What should we remember today?

2We remember that our survival depends on efforts to cooperate
and these are always more common than violent disputes.

3We remember that war is the exception
and a cowardly escape from the demands of peace.

4We remember that war achieves nothing
except the planting of seeds for the next one.

1God, have mercy on us
for ever seeing fighting as an answer to our problems.

God, have mercy (or a sung Kyrie Eleison)

1God of peace,
what wisdom can we act on today?

2This is the wisdom we can act on –
to humanise anyone we fear, and talk to our enemies.

3This is the wisdom we can act on –
to stop applauding war heroes and get behind the peace heroes.

4This is the wisdom we can act on –
to go beyond commemorating the dead, to preventing the dead.

1God, have mercy on us
for ever glorifying war or believing there is no other option.

God, have mercy (or a sung Kyrie Eleison)

1God of peace,
what must we urgently learn today?

2We must urgently learn
to transform cultures of militarism and resist the normalisation of war.

3We must urgently learn
to stay at the table of negotiation, diplomacy, mediation and compromise.

4We must urgently learn
to stop spending billions on weapons and direct money to development assistance.

1God, have mercy on us
for failing to organise society in ways that keep us human.

God, have mercy (or a sung Kyrie Eleison)
Amen

Thanksgiving and Intercessions
The focus areas for these thanks and petitions were informed by reading updates and recent articles from the War Prevention Initiative and World BEYOND War websites, and also conflict mediator Gabrielle Rifkind's excellent and succinct TED talk ‘How to prevent – or stop – a war'.

God our Creator and Redeemer,
in every troubled time You are our Refuge.
You never give up on us
even when You see us destroying ourselves.
Today we give thanks for Your tenacious hope
expressed in the work of peacekeeping
and war prevention.

Thank You God for the existence of the United Nations –
we honour the memory of those who established it
and have worked within it.
Thank You for the people who right now are serving in Peacekeeping Operations
and as military observers.
Thank You for today's UN Messengers of Peace
and Goodwill Ambassadors.
We pray for the United Nations to be strengthened again,
for increased commitment to early intervention,
and for the formation of permanent war prevention teams.

Thank You God for the courage and dedication of all who are serving
with the International Committee of the Red Cross.
Protect and encourage the staff and volunteers
and bring Your healing power to those in their care.

Thank You God for the vision of integration and shared security
that birthed the European Union.
Thank You for the many international movements and charities
educating and campaigning for a world without war.
Bless and amplify all that they do.
We pray for the development and effectiveness of shared work
in the recently established Scottish Peace Platform.

Thank You God
for people who are skilled in teaching
non-violent communication,
for school teachers and youth leaders
who by their calm presence
show young people how to de-escalate tension
and move from hostility to understanding
without causing harm.
May their example spread far and wide.

Thank You God for helping us
when we have been at war with ourselves;
for the friend who has spoken gently,
the stranger who checked if we were ok.

For all the ways that peace still prevails
and conflict is averted,
we thank You God.
Help us to embody the peace You desire,
for the sake of all Your people
and in the name of Your son our Saviour Jesus,
Amen

Dedication
Giver of all good things,
as we offer our money and our time,
today we offer too our remembering,
our ways of thinking about the world.

Help us to be hopeful and forgiving
in our patterns of thought;
imaginative and creative
in our plans for building peace.

So we dedicate ourselves to You again,
with deep gratitude that You always remember us.
Amen

Blessing / Closing prayer
As we go from here,
how will we return to God's world?

We go like wise bridesmaids
with extra oil in our lamps -
filled with patience, love and wisdom,
blessed by God
to be servants of peace.
Amen

Musical suggestions

God Welcomes All (GWA) is the new supplement to Church Hymnary Fourth Edition. This exciting new collection features over 200 hymns and songs in a wide range of styles by writers from Scotland and around the world.

The full music and words-only versions are now available; and digital resources, including the expansion of the existing Church of Scotland music website, will be published in due course, with streaming functions and further information on each song; backing tracks; and lyric videos. God Welcomes All is available to order from https://chbookshop.hymnsam.co.uk/books/9781786225573/god-welcomes-all

Our online music resource is on the Church of Scotland website; you can listen to samples of every song in the Church Hymnary 4th edition (CH4) and download a selection of recordings for use in worship. You will also find playlists for this week and liturgical seasons and themes on the Weekly Worship and Inspire Me tabs.

You can find further musical suggestions for this week in a range of styles on the Songs for Sunday blog from Trinity College Glasgow.

• "If the war goes on" – from WGRG songbook, I will not sing alone. Wild Goose Publications. A powerful song in contemporary language that speaks honestly about the effects of war.
• GWA 28 – "Wisdom cries out in the streets" – Based on a wisdom passage from Proverbs but a great link with the first reading. Well worth learning its own tune if unfamiliar, but also fits tune Lucerna Laudoniae, CH4 181(i)
• GWA 218 – "When hands reach out beyond divides" – Succinct lyrics that let us sing of the dream we set out with. A good one to end on.
• GWA 220 – "Peacemaker Jesus" – A short intercessory song that fits the theme of praying for peace.
• CH4 708 – "O Lord the clouds are gathering" – A song that let us name what's happening, confess and seek renewal.
• CH4 712 – "What shall we pray for those who died" – You can tell this one was written in more peaceful days, but it may still be fitting.
• CH4 713 – "Come all who look to God today" – Could work as an opener, before the deep dive into the readings and responses.
• CH4 721 – "We lay our broken world" – A more familiar intercessory song that touches on some of the thoughts offered in worship.

Reflecting on our worship practice

Since the start of the pandemic in 2020, the way we worship has changed and we need to reflect on the changing or newly established patterns that emerged and continue to emerge as a result of the disruption.

We can facilitate worship for all by exploring imaginative approaches to inclusion, participation and our use of technologies in ways that suit our contexts. This is not an exhaustive list, but some things we could consider are:

• Framing various parts of the worship service in accessible language to help worshippers understand the character and purpose of each part. This is essential for creating worship for all (intergenerational worship) that reflects your community of faith.
• Holding spaces for reflection and encouraging prayer to be articulated in verbal and non-verbal ways, individually and in online breakout rooms.
• In online formats the effective use of the chat function and microphone settings encourages active participation in prayer, e.g. saying the Lord's Prayer together unmuted, in a moment of ‘holy chaos'.
• While singing in our congregations is still restricted, we can worship corporately by using antiphonal psalm readings, creeds and participative prayers.
• Using music and the arts as part of the worship encourages the use of imagination in place of sung or spoken words.
• Use of silence, sensory and kinaesthetic practices allow for experience and expression beyond regular audio and visual mediums.

The following questions might help you develop a habit of reflecting on how we create and deliver content and its effectiveness and impact, and then applying what we learn to develop our practice.

• How inclusive was the worship?
  Could the worship delivery and content be described as worship for all/ intergenerational?
  Was it sensitive to different "Spiritual Styles"?
• How was the balance between passive and active participation?
• How were people empowered to connect with or encounter God?
  What helped this?
  What hindered this?
• How cohesive was the worship?
  Did it function well as a whole?
  How effective was each of the individual elements in fulfilling its purpose?
• How balanced was the worship?
  What themes/topics/doctrines/areas of Christian life were included?
• How did the worship connect with your context/contemporary issues?
  Was it relevant in the everyday lives of those attending and in the wider parish/ community?
  How well did the worship connect with local and national issues?
  How well did the worship connect with world events/issues?
• What have I learned that can help me next time I plan and deliver worship?

Useful links

You can listen to samples of every song in the Church Hymnary 4th edition (CH4) and download a selection of recordings for use in worship in our online hymnary.

You are free to download, project, print and circulate multiple copies of any of this material for use in worship services, bible studies, parish magazines, etc., but reproduction for commercial purposes is not permitted.

Please note that the views expressed in these materials are those of the individual writer and not necessarily the official view of the Church of Scotland, which can be laid down only by the General Assembly.