It doesn't seem to have been very
effective,
that Johanine blessing of peace
upon the lips of Jesus.
Wars, crusades and other violences
have never been in short supply
throughout the years of Christendom.
And so we internalised peace;
pointing to the interior serenity
of those who have come
to worship the Christ.
Self-satisfied peace is not worthy
of disciples.
It seems a sad substitute
for an end to brutality, violence and
bitterness,
not to mention suffering, abuse, hatred
and fear-engendering politics.
Look around,
see for yourself.
“My peace I give to you,”
the Nazarene is reported as saying.
Are these words for real?
It we take them seriously,
we might need to accept our
discipleship calling
to become makers of peace;
we might need to actually do something.
Something to give peace substance,
to clothe it in reconciling flesh and
blood,
like the one who came to be its prince.
Something that helps end the fear
and begins to make peace happen.
©
Ken Rookes 2016
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