Through Stained Glass: A Mid-Week Reflection-ceasefire

Peace?

What is it good for?

Absolutely everything.

Today is the International Day of Peace. All around the world people are taking the time to participate in practices that promote peace, including the practice of prayer. The day was first celebrated in 1982, and is kept by many nations, political groups, military groups, and peoples. It is dedicated to world peace, and specifically the absence of war and violence, such as might be occasioned by a temporary ceasefire in a combat zone for humanitarian aid access.

Peace.

To know peace is what God wants for all of us.

To achieve that though, it takes time. One need not major in history to know humanity has been at war against itself since the beginning of time. And one doesn’t need a degree in statistics to recognize that since 1982, peace has not come to earth because of this 1 day out of the year where such a call happens.

Peace takes time to achieve.

How long will it take?

If only we could ask that question to the owl from the Tootsie Pop commercial. There is no date we can circle on our calendar. There is nothing like that at all. But what we do know is that we can bring peace here, now.

Can we though? I mean, its one thing to work on bringing peace to our own lives but what in the world do we do with the genocide in Rwanda and the violence in Syria? Oh, lets not forget our own hometown and the violent stabbing that took place last week. Is peace, is this day where we set a side time to focus on International Peace worth it? Is it even possible?

The short answer? Yes.

Why? Because God is still with us creating and re-creating that which God declared good and beautiful. Like Moses, we with God’s help are the creators of our destiny, the ones who give shape to our future. It may take a lifetime. But it also only takes a small action that begins with our own lives.

Think about these questions:

Do I recognize the dignity of all people?

Do I strive to remove barriers between people?

Do I challenge unjust systems and structures?

Do I use the earth’s resources wisely?

Do I allow society to degrade and dehumanize people?

Do I speak out when others are fearful, oppressed or treated unfairly?

Do I work to influence my country’s foreign and domestic policies?

Do I work for peace not only in my community or country, but throughout the world?

Peace is possible. After all, Jesus, the Prince of Peace, did say, “Peace, my peace I give you.” This coming after Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers…”

Today we hope for peace. Today we pray for peace. Today we practice being a peacemaker…

“If there is to be peace in the world, there must be peace in the nations. If there is to be peace in the nations, there must be peace in the cities. If there is to be peace in the cities, there must be peace between neighbors. If there is to be peace between neighbors, there must be peace in the home. If there is to be peace in the home, there must be peace in the heart.”

–      Lao Tzu