Tuesday 9 February 2016

On Peace: Ash Wednesday



‘My peace I give to you,’ said Jesus. A friend asked, ‘What does it mean? I pray all the time for world peace, but it has no effect. Can it mean peace of mind? I feel so responsible.’ Well, partly.
            Ancient writers viewed peace as cessation of war, with two faces: victory, defeat; triumph, submission. Conquest. Does the greeting ‘peace be with you’ honour the host, or the guest?
            In John’s Gospel, the world is a place of conflict and opposition. The peace of Jesus confronts world strife. Viewing streams of world-contending persons ascending Parliament Station, ready with earplugs, earmuffs, backpacks full of every possible necessity, and most unsuitable shoes, I saw how few accepted the cross of ashes and blessing of the day. Men particularly, with set eyes, seemed to think contesting the world their singular responsibility. Sometimes women with sidelong glances looked for a way out. Men and women at war with the world: all travelling together, though often alone, to the same destination.
            And the glow of those who allowed themselves to be blessed.
            The peace of Jesus is based on a victory: cessation of a war that ended in triumph. Therefore let not your hearts be troubled, although you are dust, and to dust you will return.

No comments:

Post a Comment