Word to the Wise
Monday, May 19, 2008 - Monday in the Seventh Week of Ordinary Time
[James 3:13-18 and Mark 9:14-29]But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peaceable, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without inconstancy or insincerity. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for those who cultivate peace.
I was born in a time of war (1943) and for most of my 65 years, our nation has been involved in armed conflict. Despite the heroism and efforts of those who have served honorably and given their lives in our military services and in the military services of other nations, even our enemies, I am unable to agree that any war or armed conflict is justified. The reason is simple (probably too simple for some), I take Jesus' teaching about violence pretty seriously. Most organized conflict is the result of the desire for power on the part of individual nations or individual persons. Somehow power is seen to be the antidote for insecurity! Clothing the desire for power/security with noble and patriotic words and images does not take away the bald fact that all violence, whether in defense or in offense, is tragic. Life is precious. To destroy it for the sake of nationalistic or individualistic ambitions or insecurities is tragic and counter to the teachings of Christ. Even our highest church authorities are beginning finally to see that such arguments as the "just war" theory are being used as cloaks for nationalistic policies and have become morally empty. I once saw a T-shirt that had the words, "Wouldn't it be great if our schools had all the money they need and the Navy had to hold a bake sale to build a ship?" Cultivating peace must begin with our schools and in our hearts. Jesus' own words, "Blessed are the peacemakers!" should not be dismissed as the idealistic musings of an impractical Savior! One of my closest friends is giving her life to the process of peacemaking and finding ways to avoid armed conflict. I pray for her success every day. Organizations such as the San Egidio Community in Rome have been able to facilitate negotiated peace agreements. I pray that their efforts will continue to be crowned with success and peace. I pray that our own nation will come to its collective senses and cease the policy of armed conflict as a means of settling differences. I pray that we can cultivate peace on this planet. Mother nature causes enough havoc without our picking up weapons to add to the carnage. The list of "what-if's?" has no end and ignores the ultimate tragedy of violence. Until our world comes to respect life in all forms and give up selfish national interests, we will be a planet at war and parents will mourn their fallen children. This does not have to be. AMEN
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