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“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Matthew 5: 9 (NRSV)
During this past week we have celebrated the great festival of All Saints’ Day followed the next day by the lesser festival of All Souls’ Day. They are both celebration of the lives of those who have gone before us as bearers of light to the world and guides on our path. Whereas All Saints’ Day celebrates the holy women and men of all ages, All Souls’ Day is a more personal day of remembrance. It allows us pause to remember all those who are of special memory to us as individuals because they have particularly influenced our lives and guided our journey.
The Gospel reading for this year for All Saints’ Day is Matthew 5: 1 - 12, the Beatitudes. This short passage gives us insight into what it means to live a saintly life, a life full of meaning. By embodying the Beatitudes we follow in the footsteps of the Saints in every age.
The vision of Matthew 5 - 9 stands out particularly at this time when all public discourse seems to be based on the assumption that war and strife are inevitable as nations stand in enmity toward each other, where one nation seeks to impose its worldview upon others.
War is not inevitable and enmity between nations is a political and diplomatic expedient. As globalization increases we recognize the greater commonality between us and our shared future and destiny. We are all in a position to disrupt the narrative of conflict. We don’t need to buy into it. We can and must stand against it. We become peace makers by living our lives for others in unconditional love for all and proclaiming peace.
Standing against the narrative of conflict is risky because it necessarily puts us at odds with the powerful of our world. But isn’t that what we are called to do - to risk everything in the search for truth, peace and justice for all?
Every blessing as you continue on your journey.
(Any thoughts you wish to share krbatterham@gmail.com All comments most welcome.)
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