PEOPLE OF PEACE

 NOVEMBER 8, 2022

Yesterday we reflected on the question. What have you done with what was saved?

Today I wonder if the best way to honor the service and sacrifice of those who fought in war is to be people of “peace.” “Blessed are the peacemakers,” Jesus said in Matthew 5, “for they shall be called Children of God.” 2 Corinthians 13:11 records, “Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.” Isaiah 55:12 promises “You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.” Finally, these words “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace ….”

Let us Pray for Peace. The Words of John Oxenham’s 1938 hymn are good words to guide our Prayer today.

Peace in our time, O Lord,
To all the peoples – peace!
Peace surely based upon Thy will
And built in righteousness.
Thy power alone can break
The fetters that enchain
The sorely stricken soul of life
And make it live again.

Too long mistrust and fear
Have held our souls in thrall;
Sweep through the earth,
keen Breath of Heav’n
And sound a nobler call!
Come, as Thou didst of old,
In love so great that men
Shall cast aside all other gods
And turn to Thee again.

O shall we never learn
The truth all time has taught,
That without God as architect
Our building comes to naught?
Lord, help us, and inspire
Our hearts and lives that we
May build, with all thy wondrous gifts,
A Kingdom meet for thee.

Peace in our time, O Lord,
To all the peoples – peace!
Peace that shall build a glad new world,
And make for life’s increase.
O living Christ, Who still
Dost all our burdens share,
Come now and dwell within the hearts
Of all People everywhere.

Amen

 John 14:27

"My peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."