CityView Magazine

14 | May/June 2019 T F A I T H Greater Love Has No One BY CHAPLAIN (LTC) KEN GODWIN T he Gospel of John, chapter 15, verse 13, is oen cited in reference to our American service members who pay the ultimate sacrifice for their fellow citizens. And why not? U.S. History is replete with numerous examples of men and women who have laid down their lives, oen in foreign lands, on behalf of Americans and our freedoms. e verse reads as follows: "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends." An example of local interest of this great love is the story of Bryant Homer Womack, for whom Womack Army Medical Center at Fort Bragg is named. Born and raised in Mill Spring, North Carolina, farm hand Bryant Homer Womack was draed into the Army in 1950. A medic assigned to the Medical Company of the 14th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, Womack was deployed to Korea. On March 12, 1952, Womack lost his life and earned the Medal of Honor during a firefight. What follows is the award citation describing Womack's great bravery and the events of that day: Pfc. Womack distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. Pfc. Womack was the only medical aid man attached to a night combat patrol when sudden contact with a numerically superior enemy produced numerous casualties. Pfc. Womack went immediately to their aid, although this necessitated exposing himself to a devastating hail of enemy fire, during which he was seriously wounded. Refusing medical aid for himself, he continued moving among his comrades to administer aid. While he was aiding 1 man, he was again struck by enemy mortar fire, this time suffering the loss of his right arm. Although he knew the consequences should immediate aid not be administered, he still refused aid and insisted that all efforts be made for the benefit of others that were wounded. Although unable to perform the task himself, he remained on the scene and directed others in first aid techniques. e last man to withdraw, he walked until he collapsed from loss of blood, and died a few minutes later while being carried by his comrades. e extraordinary heroism, outstanding courage, and unswerving devotion to his duties displayed by Pfc. Womack reflect the utmost distinction upon himself and uphold the esteemed traditions of the U.S. Army. e stories of great men like Bryant Womack and others who sacrificed for their comrades and for all Americans are rightly remembered. And it is indeed proper to apply the words of Jesus Christ in John 15:13 to soldiers who sacrifice for others. Great love. Great love indeed. But it's also important to rightly understand and interpret the overall message of Jesus in John, chapter 15. e Son of God is certainly reminding His disciples and us that self-sacrifice even unto death is commendable and a great act of love. But He is also foreshadowing His own sacrifice – His imminent death for the sins of mankind. In the midst of an extended narrative on how His followers will bear fruit for the Kingdom of God, Jesus says "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends." Clearly Jesus is calling his followers to self- sacrifice. But what Jesus says immediately following this o-quoted verse is most important to understanding Jesus' main point. Verses 14-17: "You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit – fruit that will last – and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. is is my command: Love each other." So by loving each other, Jesus says, we will show Bryant Homer Womack

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