The ways to peace

Guest editorial

By Sr. Frances Brady, O.L.M.
Summer 2003

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We are celebrating the season of Easter while some in the world wage war and others resist war by working for peace. The peace is uncertain. It is, however, one of the promises of Jesus, made at the end of his lifetime of telling us and showing us how to achieve it.

What do Jesus' ways to peace look like in 2003? Where do we find the compassion of the Good Samaritan, the forgiveness of the father for his prodigal child, the faith of the woman who touched Jesus' garment, the openness to conversion of the woman at the well? Where can we see in action the determination of Zechariah to hear the message of Jesus, the centurion's humility and love for his servant, the generosity of the widow giving the little she has?

We see these ways to peace all around us in the old and young, women and men, sick and healthy, rich and poor, in people of every faith and culture like those whom Jesus met with love and respect.

Peace is present when street children find a place that is safe and happy, when prisoners find a listening ear and hope for reconciliation, when parents give of their best for their families, when the sick and the handicapped meet helping hands and caring hearts, when the homeless are greeted with respect and friendship.

The paths to peace are made when friends and strangers gather to oppose war and to pray for peace, when people of many faiths, cultures, and walks of life unite to speak for freedom and justice for everyone.

It is a privilege to live and work with so many wonderful people. Together with all of creation that sustains us, we are the "kindom" of God in the making and we are grateful to be a part of it.

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