9 NOVEMBER 2008
Encyclopaedia definition of Peace generally negative
Absence of war
Lack of hostility and conflict
Freedom from civil disorder
Peace not just non-violence
Gandhi: if an oppressive society lacks violence, it is nevertheless not peaceful because of injustice and oppression
Martin Luther King: True peace is not merely the absence of tension, but the presence of justice
Trouble is, peace throughout history has often been achieved by a victor over a vanquished. Roman peace – Pax Romana – gained through ruthless repression and not voluntarily
Even Nobel Peace Prize – given to someone who ‘has done the most or the best work for fraternity between the nations’ has often been awarded to those who have previously been at war, but have later been associated with making peace when the conflict has ended
Peace is an ideal state
Are you at peace with yourself and the world?
From the 1300’s onward, Peace was used as a greeting
Translation of the Latin Pax or the Gk Eirene
The Hebrew Shalom is a form of Peace characterised by respect, justice and goodwill
During our Common Worship Eucharist we wish each other Peace
Not absence of conflict, but Peace of the Lord – a wholly deeper meaning
Is it disrespectful to those who have died in war and conflict that we turn our attention to Peace and Reconciliation on Remembrance Sunday?
No – we still commemorate the sacrifice of those who died
We still give thanks for their selfless dedication
They did not seek War, but they fought for Peace
Peace is at the heart of the Gospel
It occurs over and over again throughout scripture
From the covenants of peace and the desire for peace in a warring society in the OT
To the more personal inner peace of the NT
For Jesus, peace is a state of mind, body and spirit
This springs forth as harmony, balance, contentment, freedom and justice
Blessed are the peacemakers, he said
The angels at his birth sang of peace and goodwill
The disciples were sent out on their mission – wished peace on every home that would receive them
In John’s gospel, Jesus says he said things so that in him we might have peace
In James 3: Peacemakers sow in peace and reap a harvest of righteousness
Peace resounds throughout the NT
John 14 My peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid
So this morning as we commemorate those who have died – especially those two new names on the War Memorial, let us dedicate ourselves to the furtherance of peace. That is what is at the heart of the Gospel – and that is what those who gave their lives fought for – that we may have peace and have it in abundance.
No comments:
Post a Comment