Mercy and Peace – Thomas Merton

Christian mercy must discover, in faith, in the Spirit, a power strong enough to initiate the transformation of the world into a realm of understanding, unity and relative peace, where mankind, nations and societies are willing to make the enormous sacrifices required if they are to communicate intelligibly with one another, understand one another, cooperate with one another in feeding the hungry millions and in building a world of peace.
— Love and Living, p 219

What sort of work is the church willing to do in order to be a part of this transformation? Are we willing to put in the hard, selfless work to be, in the words of “The Peace Prayer of St Francis, instruments of God’s Peace?

What sort of work are individuals inside the church and outside of the church willing to do? Are we willing to put aside mistrust and “old grievances” in order to be a part of something new?

These are the things that I am contemplating this Memorial Day weekend. These are the things that I am contemplating as I remember those who have died in warfare (military and civilian on all sides of any conflict).