I think we all know that there is plenty of evil in the world. It's an endless topic of discussion and debate. The most unfortunate thing about all this discussion is that all too often, it's just talk, about another one of those things that is easy to armchair quarterback. We can talk about evil and unrest, and lament the lack of good and peace in our world, but what can we actually do about it?
This discussion has spiked again today with the shooting of theater patrons at a midnight showing of "The Dark Knight Rises" in Aurora, CO.
The first thing we need to do is pray for the victims and their families. If you don't pray in the "traditional" sense, do whatever it is you do in these situations - keep them in your thoughts, etc.
The next thing I think we need to do is reflect on the true meaning of peace: in our world, in our families, and in our own hearts. The Greek word for peace does not express peace as meaning that nothing is wrong in our lives, or even that there is no evil in the world. Rather, it is essentially an expression of wholeness or completeness that remains unshaken by circumstance. Peace comes from rightly ordered, just relationships - with God, and with each other - because we cannot be whole persons without being in right relationship with God, or one another. There will not be peace in this world until these right and just relationships are developed among all people in all nations.
For we who are Christian, peace is indeed a fruit of God's work in our lives (that enables those "right relationships") - as well as a recognition of the fact that we are ultimately in control of our actions - we choose our responses to the circumstances life presents us. Some of the most peaceful people I have known in my life have been those who have faced great hardships, illnesses, or other adversity - and yet they remained unshaken. When the order that comes from those right relationships is present in our lives, we, too, are able to remain unshaken and at peace, even in the midst of evil - confident in the knowledge that everything is in its place. Kind of like how God draws straight with lines we think are crooked.
Pray for peace, and strive for it in your own life. When we live in peace, we can do good, and good will overcome evil. If we want peace in this world, and among our family and friends, we have to start with ourselves.
+Peace and good.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon them.
May the souls of the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment