‘Leave your offering there at the altar, and be reconciled with your brother.’
(see Matthew 5:20-26)
Those who negotiate for peace carry a heavy burden indeed, and politicians, leaders and governments have to tread carefully upon fragile ground. There are always difficult decisions to make, particularly when dealing with a strong aggressor who seems intent on war or when negotiations no longer seem possible.
When we think of some of the situations in the world today and the association that certain past and present leaders have with war, the words of Henri Nouwen are challenging but profound. “As a community of peacemakers it is our task first of all to recognize and affirm the great human gifts the warmakers carry within themselves. As much as we have to confess our own dark forces to each other, so much do we have to reveal the gifts of peace in those who lives and works we hope to change. We have to see them as caring, loving, concerned human beings, who, just as we, desire peace and freedom, even though they are for fighting their way to it.”
How can we apply this wisdom to our own lives? Part of the process of reconciliation is accepting our own fears and shortcomings, and trying to find shared ground upon which we can walk in peace, appealing to the peaceful and loving qualities of the person with whom we seek peace. The ground is fragile indeed. May God’s Love enable us to tread carefully.
PRAY FOR those who negotiate for peace, and those who make war that they may recognise their ability to create peace without aggression or force.
Our daily reflections for Lent focus on the many injustices which exist in our world, as we seek to connect our life of prayer to social justice the Justice of God which Christ proclaimed. More resources are available at www.southcardiffministryarea.co.uk/just-lent
South Cardiff Ministry Area 