Dear Friends,
Tomorrow is a day of prayer for Peace so it wasn’t difficult to dream up a theme for our reflections. If what Etty Hillesum has to say is a truth then finding a place of peace ourselves is of vital importance – ‘the more peace there is in us, the more peace there will be in our troubled world’.
Our blessing today is from, appropriately enough, the CD ‘Heavenly Peace’ and is ‘Bless to me, O God’. Let’s pray it not just for ourselves but maybe there is someone we know who, at this moment, needs a blessing – some kindness, or some comfort, maybe some wisdom.
Have a good week!
With our love & prayer
Being a Peacemaker
Henri Nouwen
We read in the Gospel Jesus’ words: “If you are bringing your gift to the altar, and there you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift in front of the altar; go at once and make peace with your brother, and then come back and offer your gift” (Matthew 5:23–24). . . . As I think about Jesus’ words, I know that I must let go of all divisive emotions and thoughts so that I can truly experience peace with all of God’s people. This means an unrestrained willingness to forgive and let go of old fears, bitterness, resentment, anger, and lust, and thus find reconciliation.
In this way I can be a real peacemaker. My inner peace can be a source of peace for all I meet. I can then offer gifts on the altar of God as a testimony to this peace with my brothers and sisters.
A Presence of Peace
Guardian of my soul,
guide me on my way this day.
Keep me safe from harm.
Deepen my relationship with you,
your earth and all your family.
Strengthen your love within me
that I may be a presence of your peace
in our world.
JOYCE RUPP
‘’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’
Also Joyce Rupp.
Trust overcomes fear. When fear lessens, peace grows stronger. When we choose to cultivate peace, we can also help others move away from fear. So why not get rid of those pesky fears & live more contentedly?
‘’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’
Etty Hillesum:
The more peace there is in us, the more peace there will be in our troubled world
A Blessing in the Chaos
To all that is chaotic
in you,
let there come silence.
Let there be
a calming
of the clamouring,
a stilling
of the voices that
have laid their claim
on you,
that have made their
home in you,
that go with you
even to the
holy places
but will not
let you rest,
will not let you
hear your life
with wholeness
or feel the grace
that fashioned you.
Let what distracts you
cease.
Let what divides you
cease.
Let there come an end
to what diminishes
and demeans,
and let depart
all that keeps you
in its cage.
Let there be
an opening
into the quiet
that lies beneath
the chaos,
where you find
the peace
you did not think
possible
and see what shimmers
within the storm.
Jan Richardson