Working for Peace – A Reflection

I had a discussion with a friend about the relevance today of Thomas Merton’s writings during the era of Civil Rights, the Anti-War and Anti-Nuclear peacemaking movements. It is often quite a jolt to me how often Merton speaks to my heart about issues and concerns of my own heart. The following words from volume four of his journals spoke to me today.

It is shocking that so many are convinced that the Communists are about to invade or destroy America: “Christians” who think the only remedy is to destroy them first. Who thinks seriously of disarming? For whom is it more than a pious wish, beyond the bounds of practicality? I need patience to listen, to learn, to try to understand, and courage to take all the consequences and be really faithful. This alone is a full-time job. I dread it, but it must be done, and I don’t quite know how. To save my soul by trying to be one of those who spoke and worked for peace, not for madness and destruction. — November 12, 1961 (Turning Towards the World: The Pivotal Years)

In today’s sermon, I shared the following quote from Saint Clare of Assisi: Love God, serve God; everything is in that. Perhaps that was the desire of Merton’s own heart as he wrote these words in his journal. To speak and work for peace, not for madness and destruction. How can we love and serve God as we seek to be instruments of God’s peace in this world? That is a quest of a lifetime that begins with taking the first step. Will you join me, dear reader?