Peace is like a River

Several weeks ago about 300 religious leaders joined Pope Benedict XVI at Assisi, for the the Interfaith gathering for peace.  Pope Benedict called for the 'purification of religion,' and acknowledged that in the past Christians had used force to advance Christianity.  More so today political extremists attempt to promote their agendas through religious means.

This is the 25th such gathering of such leaders.  In the past Blessed John Paul II received criticism for engaging in prayer with non-Christian leaders.  John Paul, like Benedict today, declared the necessity of gathering together those leaders who engage men and women in a common belief and understanding of worship, so that the ideals of peace might be conveyed to the peoples of the world.  This year for the first time there was included those who consider themselves non-believers, or seekers.

In this the season of Advent there is something quite insightful about asking peoples of various cultures, understandings, and theologies to consider making peace in the world.  To be sure we understand that peace is not simply the absence of violence, but it is an interior conversion which holds men and women, and really all of creation, as something very sacred and holy.  Consider St. Francis of Assisi who refers to various aspects of the cosmos as  brothers and sisters.  Coming to a commonality and common purpose is the first part of forging peacemaking in the world today.

It was Bishop Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury, who suggested that we do not have to be strangers to each other.  Williams comments that religious leaders have a task to struggle "against a world still obsessed with fear and suspicion, still in love with the of a security based on defensive hostility and still capable of tolerating or ignoring massive loss of life among the poorest through war and disease."  This prayer time reaffirms for us that we really do stand on sacred ground.  Made in the image and likeness of God, Bishop Williams, as well as the other leaders acknowledged the need to know our neighbors.

Our reading of the sacred scripture over these last few days of Advent will reveal a prophetic ministry that calls for peace and well being of all people.  The coming of our Saviour Jesus Christ challenges us with the teachings and humility of the Lord of life and Prince of Peace.  For us Christians we understand that Jesus' good works are not meant to be observed in and of themselves, but to raise our minds and thoughts to a higher realm.

This religious gathering is a sign and symbol of the unity and communion which is about God.  It begins to help us understand that we cannot afford to nurture our differences, since too many are suffering and dying because of it.  Religions can and should be a starting point for healing, forgiveness, and love. As Christians the Daystar asks us to be light to the nations and instruments of peace.  We can take a cue from our leadership and learn to love one another as God loves us.