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In
Search of the Spirit
A
monthly letter from the Glenmary Vocation Office
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August 2006
Let Peace Begin With Me!
Three concrete steps toward a more peaceful world
War continues to plague our world. The Israel-Lebanon situation is simply the latest in a long list of conflicts including Somalia, Iraq, the Palestinian people, India and beyond. The burning question remains: Where is the spirit of peace promised by the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ? How am I to respond as a Christian to war and violence?
A theological answer is not going to be provided here because a thorough study of this issue would not lead to a clear conclusion. There are steps, however, that we can choose to take to help bring peace into the world. Changing the world is a lot for one person to tackle. Yet, if I change myself and witness to those near me, I am changing the world one person at a time. As the famous song puts it: "Let there be peace on Earth and let it begin with me."
Step One. Pope Benedict has called for prayer and sacrifice for the sake of peace. This obviously is the first step. I must be engaged in deep and conscious prayer that war will end, that justice and mercy will emerge so that peace will rule. While Christians may debate if a war is justified or not, all Christians are committed to peace and the love of all involved, including the "love of enemy" (Luke 6:27ff).
St. Paul gives this advice:
If possible, on your part, live at peace with all. Beloved, do not look for revenge but leave room for the wrath, for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord." Rather, "if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head." Do not be conquered by evil but conquer evil with good." (Roman 12:18-21)
Step Two. To act on St. Paul's advice, we must become converted to the way of peace and love towards all. Thus, the second step is a thorough examination of conscience. What attitudes and behaviors do I hold that are contrary to peace, either directly or indirectly. Be honest. Are there groups or types of people that I think or speak of harshly? Do I call other people violent names or use profane language towards them? Am I prone to anger and do I react in violence in words, tone or action?
Step Three. This examination should lead us to repentance and direct action towards peace. The action we choose should help us overcome any attitudes or behaviors that lead towards discrimination or violence.
Here are some suggestions to help us become more peaceful people:
- Eliminate all language that is ugly and violent. This includes profanity, name calling and labeling those different from us.
- Interact with the very kind of people we are critical of--immigrants, Muslims, rich people, people with purple hair and tattoos, etc. If that is not possible, do some act of kindness in their name, for example, donating to Catholic Charities refugee relief fund.
- Stop watching violent movies for one week, one month, one year, etc.
These are three simple but concrete steps towards peace. If I desire a peaceful world, I must become a peaceful person. Through prayer, penance and practice it is possible.
Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.
