Our nightmarish conflict in Iraq has been wound down, as does our long twilight struggle in Afghanistan, as well. Our deep concern over the looming threat of terrorism continue. We have sent private contractors and our volunteer army to war for so long, that it seems the normal course of events.Oh how I crave peace; how I crave that the pall of terror be lifted from us, just as we have the shadow of nuclear conflagration lift from us a bit over the years when we spoke of the loss of millions as an acceptable strategy for fighting the unspeakable terror of wagin nuclear conflict.I am eased a bit that war is of a smaller scale, but that scale makes it more easily brought into the realm of the normal, so the craving for peace seems less than in the shared struggle and sacrifice demanded of larger conflicts.
Is. 2 shares with Micah a startling vision of peace: perfect for the Advent season and christmas approaching.We have been winding down our long struggles in iraq and Afghanistan and our twilight struggle against terrorists continues in many spots on the globe. A lot of us may be travelling soon., I would not thought it possible that we would submit to be herded like cattle through airport security lines. the translation is is tricky. It could be that a natural reversal is present and nations, will stream toward a mountain instead of water streaming from it, or it could be as in light radiating, streaming from the mountain with the light of god.
This vision sees peace as resulting from division of nation to nation and god is the bridge between the divide. Perhaps we could say that God heals the divisions between nations.
Tools of death can become tools of good. Is technology neutral/ Not always, guns are good for killing, but unlocking nuclear power can destroy or light up a city. Technology channels choices often.Here we have the opposite of the first chapter with justice, discernment, wisdom, leadership being lifted up.Enemies or potential enemies turn into fellow worshippers in the future.
Years ago, I was at a presbytery meeting, and a bright young man said that we should support a change as things could not possibly get worse. I recall saying something to the effect that to be young is to be naive often, and that things have the door open to getting worse all of the time. At the same time, the future can be most surprising. When I was listening to the long sermon on sunday, my mind wandered to some of the wonders I have seen: polio shots and the steps toward desegregation, the fall of the Soviet Union’s hold on Easter Europe and relative peace in South Africa, outpatient cataract surgery.
Ps. 122 has an elegant ending as a prayer for peace. I like its specificity, as so often peace is such a big word that it needs some focus . Peace within its walls and within it is perfect. One of the the things I wonder if we need to pursue peace without is peace As you all know shalom, includes well-being, health, security and prosperity in its embrace. I wonder if having inner peace allows the promotion of social peace. I think of the seeming calmness of bishop tutu or the Dalai Lama as exuding a charisma of peace and serenity. As the Soviet Union fell away, we spoke of a peace dividend. May DARPA have a similar advanced projects division all through our government in the way of peace. May we teach not waging war, but learning to wage peace.
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