Nonviolence – Fr Daniel Berrigan, SJ

From IgnatianSolidarity.Net

In a time when so much hatred and fear-mongering goes on in the name of god by christians (lower cases intentional)

When government leaders seem more concerned about the next election than serving the people they were elected to serve

When violence is touted as the only response

When the myth of redemptive violence continues

When beating swords into plowshares and spears into pruning hooks is said to be antiquated and not practical

When the thought of nation not lifting up sword against nation and studying war no more is scoffed at

When it seems as though the light is being snuffed out by the purveyors of greed

It is then that my heart must seek out the light and the hope

It is then that the work of non-violence must be renewed

Then I remember the words of John’s Gospel

The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has neither overcome it nor understood it (John 1:5 adapted)

It is then that I recall the work of the great Peacemakers like Fr Berrigan