Remaining Faithful Message from Rev. Mary White
Good Afternoon and Blessings
Where can we actually find world peace? As we are blessed with instant knowledge through technology, on the other side of this coin, we are overwhelmed with news of conflict somewhere in the world. Some time ago, I came to the conclusion that through Love, peace is possible. This peace comes from within and for me is the beginnings of world peace. Love for self and love for others will not allow for conflict. For, it is impossible for something to be and not be at the same time. We cannot love self, love others and not be at peace.
Stay safe. Stay connected.
Blessings and the strength of Love be with you.
Rev. Mary
Reading Peace from Frederick Buechner, Beyond Words
Peace has come to mean the time when there aren’t any wars or even when there aren’t any major wars. Beggars can’t be choosers; we’d most of us settle for that. But in Hebrew peace, shalom, means fullness, means having everything you need to be wholly and happily yourself. One of the titles by which Jesus is known is Prince of Peace, and he used the word himself in what seem at first glance to be two radically contradictory utterances. On one occasion he said to the disciples, “Do not think that I have come to bring peace on earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword” (Matthew 10:34). And later on, the last time they ate together, he said to them, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you” (John 14:27). The contradiction is resolved when you realize that, for Jesus, peace seems to have meant not the absence of struggle, but the presence of love.
Prayer
Loving Spirit
Light our Advent path with peace and Love. May we know peace within our home, our community, our hearts, and minds. We pray for peacemakers and peacekeepers. We pray for peace with integrity, with Love and with justice. Be with us this Advent as we wait on the Prince of Peace.
Amen