“When we talk about nonviolence we have also to speak about the relationship to power. Nonviolent struggle seeks to reinstate more horizontal social relations. People in power should place themselves in the same level as others. . . . The one who has the highest position should be the servant of the most lowly.”—Adolfo Perez Esquivel
On the second Sunday in Advent, we will be lighting the candle of Peace on our Advent wreath at church. Peace is a concept that people hold many different opinions about. In the military, peace often means the cessation of hostilities or some sort of truce. The problem with the definitions of peace that I studied during my military training is that it really isn’t peace. Is there peace on the Korean peninsula? Oh wait, it is a truce which still has both sides armed to the teeth, ready to attack each other. Thomas Merton said, In the presence of war and death, Advent offers PEACE – and yet a peace beyond our understanding, but a peace that is so much more than the absence of conflict, in the awesome peace of Christ. (Seasons of Celebration)
In the Gospel of Luke, God through the voice of Mary, the Mother of Jesus, invites us to consider the way of peace… By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. (Luke 1:78-79)
Mother Mary, speak to us of this peace that we can have through your Son Jesus ♥️🌹
“When one breaks the law to resist the probability of nuclear war, one is not just breaking the law . . . one is upholding the one law from which all decent and just law derives: ‘Love your neighbor as you love yourself.’”—Philip Berrigan
“Now we can no longer just give answers and explanations, we have to become the answer, and our own transformation is the only credible explanation. It seems we must tame and integrate the demon of violence within ourselves before we have anything to say to anybody else. “—Richard Rohr
“Nonviolent strategy calls those who are now faithful to the good present inside them, to awaken the good inside their adversaries who at that same moment serve violence or injustice. This dynamic is built on confidence in the divine power of the good and its unity.”—Alain J. Richard
Verse of the day
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult.
– Psalm 46:1-3
Voice of the day
Couldn’t help but make me feel ashamed / To live in a land / Where justice is a game.
– Bob Dylan, “Hurricane”
Prayer of the day On this changing earth, help me to stay focused on your steady justice.
The sun has set and the Vesper Lights flicker and glow
Today is the first day of December
Today was also a time for forced rest
Thankfully the headaches have passed
It has been a day of reflection as well
As Advent continues to unfold
Speak to our hearts Spirit
Guide us in the path of peace
Now as my eyelids grow heavy
I lift this humble prayer to you
Dona Nobis Pacem
Grant Us Peace
A wee prayer from the heart of your Padre…
The sun has set and the Vesper Lights flicker and glow
It has been a good day of ministry and visitation
It has also been a good day to get some yard work done
Fall is preparing to bid us adieu
Winter is preparing to welcome us
As the seasons turn, one thing is constant
Thank you for your Love Lord
Thank you for Spirit’s guidance each day
Thank you God our Creator for the beauty of your creation
Now as my eyelids grow heavy I lift this humble prayer to you
Dona Nobis Pacem
Grant Us Peace
A wee prayer from the heart of your Padre…
Verse of the day
Let all that you do be done in love.
– 1 Corinthians 16:14
Voice of the day
Your ordinary acts of love and hope point to the extraordinary promise that every human life is of inestimable value.
– Desmond Tutu
Prayer of the day In my coming and going, may my actions embody your spirit of love.
The sun has set and the Vesper Lights flicker and glow
It has been a while since I lifted up an evening prayer
Today was a good day at work… until I got home
It hit hard this evening when I walked through the door
The house is so empty with Denise in Florence and with no Pixie to greet me
I distracted myself with laundry and other tasks
At times like this I remember how large the presence of a 4.5 pound sweet puppy was
It is hard today
But now as my eyelids grow heavy and tears fall
I lift this humble prayer to you
Dona Nobis Pacem
Grant Us Peace
A wee prayer from the heart of your Padre…
