“The Things that Make for Peace”

The world is full of frightful violence, oppression and cruelty. Even Jesus looked at it and cried. Why shouldn’t we?

However, we –of all people -- cannot be hopeless or cynical. When we move from lamenting violence – as Jesus did -- to trying to prevent violence by entrusting our hope to the power of rulers, to superior force, to strong defenses, to political power, then we have left the way of Jesus. The myth of redemptive violence is not true. ... we are not saved by the powers that be in this world. We may not be saved from violence – as disciples of Jesus should well know. A crucified Christ is a mind-blowing oxymoron. We may not be saved from violence, but we will most certainly not be saved by violence. We may suffer, but even so, we know there is a better way.

What are the things that make for peace? Loving our enemies, welcoming outcasts, healing diseases, feeding the hungry, offering forgiveness, repenting and accepting forgiveness, the power of love to transform our lives and culture. Peace does exist – here and there, in unexpected places, in surprising circumstances, for a moment in passing, now and again. We witness it. We experience it. We make it happen. We are peacemakers. We are justice jockeys. We are pacifist but not passive.   

Meditation by The Rev. Valerie Coe Lowder, preacher

Sunday, August 17, 2025