"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.
Not as the world gives do I give it to you.
Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.
Our scriptures often speak of peace; it is a promise given to God's holy people; and we pray that we may be found worthy to abide in that peace.
Peace may be America's second most popular word, after freedom. Certainly the latter is invoked whenever we must disturb the peace that the world gives. In that case, peace may mean security and prosperity; and freedom is the ability to do as I please without the interference of others.
But others often disturb our peace and stand in the way of our security. If they can be removed, neutralized, controlled, rendered harmless, or made to think, speak, act and look like us, we'll be assured of both freedom and peace.
But peace with others who do not assimilate? Now that's a problem. Or, it's a peace the world cannot give, as in Shalom. It's unimaginable. Eye has not seen, ear has not heard, nor has it so much as dawned on man what that kind of peace might look or feel like.
But our faith not only insists that we live peacefully with others; it also demands that we strive to enter through that narrow gate. It's the only kind of peace that God gives us. Faith insists that faith is believing in others; in their words, actions, attitudes, and intentions, insofar as we are able. It's a limited ability which is stretched only with practice, trial, error, and more trust. the foundation of that peace is found in our Trinitarian God.
The Shoah began with people who did not assimilate in European society; or not enough to satisfy their passion for conformity. Jews were -- and remain -- a nationality without a nation, and a religion which is neither Christian nor pagan. Despite their speaking the vernacular language of wherever they lived, and wearing the same clothes, the Jews seem to fit no category, and are never quite assimilated. They dwell in every part of the world and persist through every century. The Shoah was a final solution, an attempt to rid the world of otherness.
However, Jews persist because they are God's chosen people, and God does not go away. God is also other to us, although he is as human being as any one of us. In fact, as Christians understand our doctrine of the Holy Trinity, otherness is one of God's characteristics. The three persons of the Trinity are of one mind and heart, but they are not each other.
Mankind's continual wars betray its unwillingness to live in God's world with others, and the threat of universal annihilation grows with each passing year. There is only one answer:
"Peace," Shalom, "I leave with you; my peace I give to you.
Not as the world gives do I give it to you.
Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid."
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.