Word to the Wise
Monday, February 20, 2012 - Monday in the 7th Week in Ordinary Time
[Jas 3:13-18 and Mark 9:14-29]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.
There's nothing like a close friend's interest in something to get one at least interested or informed. A dear friend of mine has taught non-violence in schools, acquired a graduate degree in conflict resolution and worked for a large non-profit "peace-making" organization. Her passion for this subject certainly made me more aware of the peace-making process which transcends sending UN Peace-keeping troops! The line from the Letter of James, quoted above, reminds me of her work and that of thousands of others who are trying to overcome violence so that even deeper problems of hunger, shelter, freedom and a decent standard of living can be achieved across this planet!
Sowing and cultivating peace requires not simply stopping the violence. It requires a complete attitude change about resolving differences, whether these be over the boundaries of a field or nuclear disarmament! As long as we continue to make bullets, we make weapons of mass destruction! This means that we stop the violent behavior that makes weapons of violence. Those who profit from this trade will invoke the right to bear arms and the right to earn a living! Is there a right to create violence? Situations are rarely pure. The seeds of peace are often sown with weeds of violence. We have to learn the difference early and cultivate peace. AMEN