Iran, Gaza, Ukraine, and multiple places around the world are in deep conflict. It is easy to wonder why these places can’t seem to find a path to peaceful resolution.
“Let there be peace on earth,
And let it begin with me.
Let there be peace on earth,
The peace that was meant to be.”
Written by Jill Jackson-Miller and Sy Miller in 1955 for an international children’s choir, this familiar hymn, especially heard at Christmas, offers real insight into why the conflicts of the world can seem so irresolvable.
“And let it begin with me…”
The reality is that peace is not something that starts at the negotiating table between nations, but at the kitchen table, in our neighborhoods, and in the quiet places of our hearts.
How much of a priority is it in our own lives to resolve our disputes, discords, and disagreements? How strong is our appetite for forgiveness, resolution, reconciliation, healing, and peace with our family, neighbors, and coworkers?
Theologian Thomas Merton writes, “Peace demands the most heroic labor and the most difficult sacrifice… It demands greater heroism than war.”
Heroic labor…
In many respects, it can feel easier not to do the heavy lifting required to commit ourselves to working for peace with those with whom we are in conflict. And frankly, some people have been shaped to believe that adversarial relationships are normal. Still others seem to thrive on causing division and chaos for their own benefit. As such, they have little motivation for peace.
Yet, at the end of the day, history is clear: an unwillingness to do the real work of reconciliation always leads to death – the death of a country, a community, a culture, a neighborhood, a family, a friendship… even a human life.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God,” were Jesus’ words to those who gathered to hear him. He made it clear that at our core, as children of. God, we are called to engage in the life-giving work of peace.
Forgiveness, resolution, reconciliation, and healing are the pathways to peacemaking. And it begins with me.
“Let peace begin with me.
Let this be the moment now.
With every step I take,
Let this be my solemn vow:
To take each moment
And live each moment
In peace eternally.
Let there be peace on earth,
And let it begin with me.”
BP