LET'S MAKE PEACE
Peace is a choice and we all want peace. But how we
hope to get peace is a different matter.
I read in one of the commentaries something about peace that I would
like to pass on to you, - here it goes! Peace is a choice and we all want
peace. But how we hope to get peace is a different matter. Some expect it to
drop from heaven at some future time. Others are convinced we must fight for
the right to it. Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI made a direct pitch for peace when
he was pontiff. "I want to appeal to the consciences of those who are part
of any armed group. To each and every one I say, Stop, reflect, and abandon the
path of violence." You and I may not recognize that we, too, go into each
day "armed" for conflict. Wow! I really do need to reflect on this as
well, it is challenging and these words are saying loud and clear for us to try
laying down our defenses today!
When Jesus sent out His apostles, their mission was to proclaim God's
kingdom in word and deed. The kingdom that they make known is unlike any
earthly kingdom. The world thrives on power, money, and accomplishing their own
goals. A New Testament scholar Tom Wright wrote this: Jesus' disciples
"are to be healers, restorers, people who will bring life and hope to
others, not grand status to themselves." Wow again?
I guess the best way to sum this all up, that the kingdom of God, as St.
Paul puts it, is "righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy
Spirit."
In earth as it is in heaven!