Jesus tells listeners, “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, do not respond violently to one who is violent… You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to … Continue reading “Do Not Respond Violently To One Who Is Violent”
Category: Peace
Making Peace Together
“The angel said to the Shepherds, ‘I proclaim to you tidings of great joy to be shared with all people.’” “‘Let this be a sign to you: in a manger you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes.’ Suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of angels saying, ‘Glory to God and peace … Continue reading “Making Peace Together”
Revelation: Truth and Peace
In the Book of Revelation, John of Patmos, is reporting on the persecution and violence experienced by early peacemakers. John exhorts them to keep praying and working for peace. John uses symbolic language that includes war images. He begins by writing of a “rider called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war.” … Continue reading “Revelation: Truth and Peace”
Speaking Up About the Problem of Violence
“There was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the wedding.” The mother of Jesus, Mary, is aware of a problem that will disrupt the peace of the first day of the couple’s new life together. She “said to Jesus, “They … Continue reading “Speaking Up About the Problem of Violence”
Educating for Lasting Peace
We learn from the story of the Magi that those who are wise seek out peacemakers to be educated by them, ‘We saw the child’s star rising… and have come to follow him.’ We learn from the story of Herod that those who are rulers target peacemakers and lie about being educated by them, ‘Go … Continue reading “Educating for Lasting Peace”
Giving Up War for Lent and for Life
The Old Testament reading recalls a flood experience, lasting 40 days. Its authors believed an ancient War Lord, sparing Noah, justifiably waged war against life itself and “destroyed all mortal beings.” The Old Testament then shows war being continually waged by believers in the ancient War Lord; Moses, Joshua, David, and the like. The Gospel … Continue reading “Giving Up War for Lent and for Life”
Women Are Wise
Today’s Old Testament reading unfortunately begins with a fool, the warrior King David. He is feeling anxious because he is not currently laboring at killing, “the LORD has given him rest from his enemies.” The Gospel reading fortunately tells of a wise soul, the lover Mary. She is feeling at peace for she will soon … Continue reading “Women Are Wise”
Cultivate Peace
Jesus is at his last meal with disciples. This includes Judas who has already betrayed Jesus and later that night will help assault him. Jesus knows Judas is betraying him. He describes the assault and violence that await. Jesus does not, however, assault Judas nor does he even protest against him. Instead, Jesus initiates peacemaking … Continue reading “Cultivate Peace”
Peaceful Trans-Figuring
“Jesus took Peter, James, and John” “up a high mountain.” There they saw Jesus, “transfigured before them; his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light.” “And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared.” When we look at Moses and Elijah we see ancient figures bound to the kingdom of Israel. When we … Continue reading “Peaceful Trans-Figuring”
Peace On All Sides
Jesus tends not to take sides, meaning he does not play favorites or act like a judge. Jesus does however clearly take the side of life. Jesus is not on the side of war. He is on the side of peace. In Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus, the peacemaker, is letting disciples know he will always be … Continue reading “Peace On All Sides”