Pax Dei—Living in Peace 15 (conclusion)

Peace Prayers

I was recently in Assisi Italy. It was the weekend that John XXIII and John Paul II were canonized (26-27 April 2014). Assisi was thronging with people from what seemed like everywhere. Wall to wall humanity. Coming, perhaps for the most part, like me, to somehow connect with the life of a beloved saint who is so well-known for peace: Francis--Giovanni di Pietro di Bernadone (1181/82—1226).

As I joined the masses of people flocking through the ascending and descending medieval, stone streets, I was profoundly struck by how much we all yearn for inner peace. How much we yearn to live and work in settings of peace. And for the most part, how we yearn to be peace-makers and to know our Maker of peace. 

Pax Dei

The Peace Prayer of Saint Francis, although commonly attributed to Francis, first appeared anonymously in its present form in the French publication La Clochette in 1912. Regardless of the source, it is one of the most beloved, and recited prayers of all time.  (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prayer_of_Saint_Francis)

Click here for the sung version by John Michael Talbot:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXyYm1yIL-g

Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace;

Where there is hatred, let me sow love;

Where there is injury, pardon;

Where there is discord, harmony;

Where there is error, truth;

Where there is doubt, faith;

Where there is despair, hope;

Where there is darkness, light;

And where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, Grant that I may not so much seek

To be consoled as to console;

To be understood as to understand;

To be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive;

It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;

And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Shalom and Pax Christi!

Pax Dei--Living in Peace 14

Just Peace

Eve of Destruction, Barry McGuire, 1965 (49 years on....)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfZVu0alU0I

Statement on the Way of Just Peace

Adopted by the WCC 10th Assembly as part of the Report of the Public Issues Committee (2013)

"...5. WE RECOMMEND THAT GOVERNMENTS

a. Adopt by 2015 and begin implementing binding regulations with targets for lowering greenhouse gas emissions consistent with the recommendations in the 2013 report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change;

b. Negotiate and establish a ban on the production, deployment, transfer and use of nuclear weapons in accordance with international humanitarian law;

c. Ensure that all remaining stocks of chemical weapons are destroyed under the terms of the Chemical Weapons Convention and cluster munitions are destroyed under the Convention on Cluster Munitions, at the earliest possible date;

d. Declare their support for a pre-emptive ban on drones and other robotic weapons systems that will select and strike targets without human intervention when operating in fully autonomous mode;

e. Reallocate national military budgets to humanitarian and developmental needs, conflict prevention and civilian peace-building initiatives amongst others; and

f. Ratify and implement the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) by 2014 and on a voluntary basis include weapon types not covered by the ATT.

  

Pax Dei

“Just peace is a journey into God’s purpose for humanity and all creation. It is rooted in the self-understanding of the churches, the hope of spiritual transformation and the call to seek justice and peace for all. It is a journey that invites us all to testify with our lives...

God of life, guide our feet into the way of just peace!"

Opening paragraph and closing sentence  from 

Statement on the Way of Just Peace

http://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/documents/assembly/2013-busan/adopted-documents-statements/the-way-of-just-peace 

Pax Dei—Living in Peace 13

Rest in Peace—Resurrect in Perfection

Betty Lou and Dave Pollock

Remembering Dave, Betty Lou, and family  

on the 10^th anniversary of Dave’s death, 11 April 2014.

Tribute
https://interactionintl.org/remembering-dave-pollock/

To read/link to two more  tributes: 

Families in Global Transition, Facebook page 

and Member Care Associates  (homepage).

“The command of John 13:34 comes in the context of the last evening before the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It may be that what we see in John chapters 13‑17 is in fact the shorter catechism of all He had taught His friends over their three year journey of discipleship. That which is recorded includes demonstration of His love for them in the process of washing their feet and predicting His crucifixion through the bread and wine. It was followed by His proclamation of what He was about to do, what the future of the disciples would be, and how through His Spirit their care would be safeguarded and their ministry implemented. He concludes with supplication as He reviews the essence of His journey on earth: “that they may have Eternal Life...this is Eternal Life that they may know You and Jesus Christ whom You have sent...that they may glorify Me…that they may be One as we are One that the world may know that You have sent Me” (John 17).” Dave Pollock, Developing a Flow of Care and Caregivers, Doing Member Care Well (2002, p. 23)

Some of Dave’s many colleagues in mission/member care. Photo is from the international member care retreat, following the annual MHM Conference, Angola Indiana USA, 18-19 November, 2000.

 *****

Pax Dei

For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ;  who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself. We know that when Christ appears we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him just as He is. All who have this hope in Him purify themselves, just as He is pure. I Cor. 15: 53; Phil 3: 20-21, I John 3: 2-3 

Pax Dei—Living in Peace 12

Hugs and Kicks

Scene from Jesus of Nazareth, 1977
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxCcvCZkaJc

"I see good practice in member care as being rooted in the example of the loving care offered by Christ, the “Good Practitioner”. Christ’s model of relationship with us serves as a foundation for our interaction with others and for the good practice principles that we develop for member care (see the Figure below—JC as GP). The middle two dimensions of being comforted/challenged are normative for us, and reflect many of His encounters with disciples in the New Testament. He is both tender and at times tough in His relentless love for us. The extremes on the continuum would represent “worst practice” and do not represent Christ’s relationship with His people. Likewise, they should not reflect our relationship with mission/aid personnel—for example, overly protecting them and not sufficiently challenging them (coddling), or blaming them for having needs and frailties (condemning). Member care, then, is as much about comfort as it is challenge. It involves lots of hugs with some kicks (culturally appropriate forms) and lots of affirmation and some admonition (I Thes. 5:11,14).

                            JC as GP

coddler     Comforter      Challenger     condemner

placater     Peace-giver   Provoker        punisher

 Good Practice

Adapted from Going Global: A Member Care Model for Best Practice, Kelly O'Donnell, Doing Member Care Well, 2002, p. 15 

Pax Dei

Sometimes people resist the gospel [the good news—which of course implies that there is some bad news] not because they think it false but because they perceive it [appropriately sometimes] as a threat to their culture, especially the fabric of their society, and their national or tribal solidarity [some just find it to be simply not relevant--practically, intellectually, or based on the behaviors of those individuals, groups, countries, etc. who "follow" the gospel]. To some extent this cannot be avoided. Jesus Christ is a disturber as well as a peacemaker. He is Lord, and demands our total allegiance [not just inflated/manipulative rhetoric but a conclusion and consensus based on the body of writings about Him and Christian life, gathered together in a compendium called the New Testament]. Thus, some first-century Jews saw the gospel as undermining Judaism and accused Paul of "teaching men everywhere against the people, the law, and this place," i.e., the temple (Acts 21:28). Similarly, some first-century Romans feared for the stability of the state, since in their view the Christian missionaries, by saying that "there is another King, Jesus," were being disloyal to Caesar and advocating customs which it was not lawful for Romans to practise (Acts 16:21; 17:7). Still today Jesus challenges many of the cherished beliefs and customs of every culture and society [including—and especially perhaps--the practices, lifestyles, and beliefs within the various Christian churches and traditions and certainly our own personal areas that need His disturbing and peacemaking light to shine on them].

Excerpted from the Willowbank Report: Consultation on Gospel and Culture, 1978, Lausanne Movement. The annotations in [blue font] are mine. http://www.lausanne.org/en/documents/lops/73-lop-2.html

Pax Dei--Living in Peace 11

The World We Want

Click here to watch on Youtube--full screen:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6-MjHBBmBw&list=PLhanS7jySFTKOGpXi6ZJfeKwgc6rvQqsA&index=2

A sustainable future with dignity for all

“This report by the United Nations Development Group (UNDG) collects the perspectives on the 'world we want' from over 1 million people around the globe. For almost one year, people have engaged energetically in 88 national consultations, 11 thematic dialogues, and through the MY World global survey. As member states consult on the shape and content of a successor framework to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) beyond 2015, it is hoped that the opportunity to listen to these voices will contribute to reaching consensus on what is needed to move towards a common sustainable future.”

Key Messages

"The findings of this global conversation contain important messages for governments as they seek to agree on a new development agenda.

·People demand to play a role in shaping and changing their world.

·The fundamental areas covered by the MDGs remain critically important. At the same time, there is a call to strengthen ambition and urgency.

·People are indignant at the injustice they feel because of growing inequalities and insecurities that exist particularly for poorer and marginalized people.

·The challenges are complex and interlinked, requiring a sustainable development agenda that is integrated, holistic and universal, applying to all countries and all people.

·People call for a new agenda built on human rights, and universal values of equality, justice and security. Better governance underpins many of their calls.
·The focus on concrete, measurable goals should be retained but measurement of progress needs to be improved. A data revolution will support an accountability revolution."

Excerpted from the online site:

One Million Voices: The World We Want

http://www.worldwewant2015.org/millionvoices

*********

Pax Dei
Live in peace,
and the God of love and peace
will be with you.  
2 Corinthians 13:11 NASB

Pax Dei--Living in Peace 10

Globalization of Indifference

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5HZhVm8jsM

Q: Where is God?

A: Where is man?

(Two prisoners in Auschwitz concentration camp)

Pax Dei

“These our brothers and sisters seek to leave difficult situations in order to find a little serenity and peace, they seek a better place for themselves and for their families – but they found death. How many times to those who seek this do not find understanding, do not find welcome, do not find solidarity! And their voices rise up even to God!....Who is responsible for the blood of these brothers and sisters? No one! We all respond this way: not me, it has nothing to do with me, there are others, certainly not me. But God asks each one of us: “Where is the blood of your brother that cries out to me?” Today no one in the world feels responsible for this; we have lost the sense of fraternal responsibility; we have fallen into the hypocritical attitude of the priest and of the servant of the altar that Jesus speaks about in the parable of the Good Samaritan: We look upon the brother half dead by the roadside, perhaps we think “poor guy,” and we continue on our way, it’s none of our business; and we feel fine with this. We feel at peace with this, we feel fine! The culture of well-being, that makes us think of ourselves, that makes us insensitive to the cries of others, that makes us live in soap bubbles, that are beautiful but are nothing, are illusions of futility, of the transient, that brings indifference to others, that brings even the globalization of indifference. In this world of globalization we have fallen into a globalization of indifference. We are accustomed to the suffering of others, it doesn’t concern us, it’s none of our business.”

Text from Pope Francis’ homily in August 2013 celebrated with the residents of Lampedus, Italy and the immigrants who have sought refuge there. (Vatican Radio website)

http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2013/07/08/pope_on_lampedusa:_%E2%80%9Cthe_globalization_of_indifference%E2%80%9D/en1-708541

Pax Dei--Living in Peace 9

Ideals 

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"It's really a wonder that I haven't dropped all my ideals, because they seem so absurd and impossible to carry out. Yet I keep them, because in spite of everything, I still believe that people are really good at heart. I simply can't build up my hopes on a foundation consisting of confusion, misery, and death. I see the world gradually being turned into a wilderness, I hear the ever approaching thunder, which will destroy us too. I feel the suffering of millions and yet, if I look up into the heavens, I think that it will all come right, that this cruelty too will end, and that peace and tranquility will return again. In the meantime, I must uphold my ideals, for perhaps the time will come when I shall be able to carry them out." Annelies Marie Frank, August 1944, The Diary of a Young Girl 

.

Note: I just attended day one of Webster University's annual Humanitarian Conference in Geneva, with this year's theme being "Conflict Resolution." The tone and the content, as I have so often experienced in gatherings related to international affairs and human development, were primarily dark, discouraging, and devoid of optimism and solutions. "The road to hell is paved with good intentions" was quoted more than once. Currently an estimated 1.5 billion people live in the 42 countries affected by wars and/or armed conflict, primarily intra-state (internal) fighting although many of these involving influences and participants from other countries. Against many odds, we must work towards and continue to hope that, as Anne Frank said, "peace and tranquility will return one day." 

*****
Pax Dei

And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, “Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?” But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth could open the scroll or even look inside it. I wept and wept because no one was found who was worthy to open the scroll or look inside. Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.”….

 “You are worthy to take the scroll

    and to open its seals,
because you were slain,
and with your blood you purchased for God
persons from every tribe and language and people and nation.
You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God,
and they will reign on the earth.”

Excerpts from Revelation chapter 5, NIV

.

Note: There are different interpretations for the book of Revelation, ranging from it being an allegory about good and evil, a veiled description of the struggles of the first century church, a prophetic message of hope and warning, etc. One thing most Christian traditions will agree, is that the book reflects humanity’s desperate need of God’s help and that without Divine help all of our best efforts as humans for peace and tranquility will fail. The opening of the scroll in this passage, is understood by some as representing who has rightful access to the title deed to the earth/humanity and who can thus change the course of history and stop humanity’s misery.  If no one is worthy of the title deed then humanity is stuck, forever. No wonder John “wept and wept.” And no wonder the celestial assembly erupted in massive celebration, when the Lamb, Christ is praised for his worthiness based on his voluntary and substitutionary death on behalf of all peoples. An additional, central belief that is woven into this book is the return of Christ to the earth—the Blessed Hope described in the New Testament writing of Titus--without which the world will continue to self-destruct through corruption, exploitation, injustice, and evil. 

.

Agnus Dei qui tollis peccata mundi, 

miserere nobis—dona nobis pacem.

Pax Dei--Living in Peace 8

Turning Hope Into Action

(and turning action into peace)

The United Nations Year in Review 2013

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nntbLKgGajw

We think that watching this short video is well-worth your time. The opening comment sets the tone for this summary report: “Amid continuing turmoil and crises, it was a year of major strides for diplomacy as the United Nations worked to negotiate peace, instill hope and define a sustainable future for all.” The final comment, from Ban Ki-moon, cuts to the core with realistic inspiration and relevant instruction for us all: "Our duty is to turn hope into action through hard work,. commitment, skill, and integrity. With passion but most of all with compassion, we can build the future your people want and that our world needs."

*****

Pax Dei 

"Then he showed me the river of the water of life, sparkling like crystal as it flowed from the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the middle of the street of the city and on either bank of the river grew the tree of life, bearing twelve fruits, a different kind for each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. Nothing that has cursed mankind shall exist any longer; the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be within the city. His servants shall worship him; they shall see his face, and his name will be upon their foreheads." Revelation 22: 1-4 NIV

Pax Dei--Living in Peace 7

Aspirations and Desperations

The Age of Aquarius, sung by the Fifth Dimension,
from the rock opera Hair, 1969

 I really like this song. That is to say, I really like its engaging aspirations and entrancing music. I just wish that reconfiguring reality could happen by simply yearning for a new mystical, harmonious age.  Forty-five years on, the age of aquarius has morphed back into the ongoing age of egregious. In spite of our best efforts, our liberating aspirations (and at times prurient inspirations) have yet to replace our constricting desperations (and putrid exploitations). Here is a song about it all, from our new mock opera, Tare, 2014.

When our doom is just like that of Faust's

And stupid persons are blind to scars

Some Beast will guide our planet

And fear will steer the wars.

This is the conning of the Age of Egregious

The Age of Egregious.

Egregious! Egregious!

Disharmony, misunderstanding,

Selfishness, mistrust abounding.

Time for falsehood and derision

Golden profit, lecherous visions

Mystic nonsense, reprobation,

And the mind’s incarceration.

Egregious! Egregious!

Let the dark shine
Let the dark shine in...

*****

We join with people of all faiths and no faiths, of new ages and old ages, and everything in-between, in yearning for peace—starting in our own souls--letting the Light shine into us and from us, for the sake of both truth and peace on our beguiled, burdened planet.

Pax Dei

This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you:

God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. I  John 1:5 NIV

Randy Stonehill, Great Big Stupid World 

(Note: In addition to Stonehill's whimsical parodies and melodies,

(including this song's lyrical laundry list of things he does not like)
many of his other creative songs focus on hope and fortitude
via living in the Light: knowing/loving God. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SO-pcZ-rJNo

Pax Dei—Living in Peace 6

International Day of Peace

Today is three months after International Dav of Peace (IDP, 21 September 2013). The United Nations General Assembly has declared 21 September as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals and practice of peace, both within and between all nations/peoples. I attended a remarkable event at the United Nations in Geneva on the eve of IDP 2013, described below (Geneva Peace Talks: What Does Peace Mean to You?). And you can attend too, via the video broadcast online (see below). So take some time, relax, and watch. Perhaps with others. And reflect on this question too: “what does peace mean to me?!”(IDP website: http://www.un.org/en/events/peaceday/)

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Click this link to watch the video of the Geneva Peace Talks: What Does Peace Mean to You? (http://webtv.un.org/watch/geneva-peace-talks-2013/2685525496001/.) “Speakers [related] their own personal stories about practical involvement in peace building, dispute resolution, or violence reduction, emphasizing how their engagement shaped their own understanding of peace. It [highlighted]…how we need to draw on all disciplines to foster sustainable peace…The theme also [triggered] reflection among the audience about what peace means to them.” (from the website of the United Nations Office at Geneva)

I suggest starting at minute five in order to view the moving seven minute presentation by the first presenter, Fatuma Adan from Kenya. Other presenters discuss hostage negotiations, peace building/living during civil war (Lebanon and Liberia), neurobiological insights on conflict, mindsets that dehumanize people, etc.

Pax Dei

For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given,
    and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
 Of the greatness of his government and peace
    there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
    and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
    with justice and righteousness
    from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty
    will accomplish this.

Isaiah 9: 6-7

Pax Dei—Living in Peace 5

Dona Nobis Pacem

Jerusalem, city of peace. “During its long history, Jerusalem has been destroyed twice, besieged 3 times, attacked 52 times, and captured and recaptured 44 times.”  (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerusalem)

I am in Jerusalem. It is almost the start of Shabbat. I am heading from my friends' house in the Arab Quarters, through a security check point, towards the Western Wall. Sometimes referred to as the Wailing Wall, this unmistakable landmark is part of a retaining wall that still remains intact from the second temple--begun around 436 BC and destroyed 70 CE. It is a two-minute walk.

A chill is in the air and a sense of magical expectation fills my heart. The twilight is slowly descending and a crescent moon is slowly rising over the yellowish, limestone buildings. I put on a kippah (head covering) and make my way to the wall itself, passing hundreds who are praying, chanting, singing, swaying, repetitiously and rhythmically bowing, circling in fraternal groups, and/or clustering for discussions and teaching sessions. I touch the wall. I rest my forehead on it. I am transfixed to it, caught up in the social, spiritual, mystical revery around me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPqQO22Koj4

From my depths wells up a core yearning, a vocal plea to Adonai. A prayer of the Church throughout the centuries for humanity—a humanity composed of all peoples that like Jerusalem has been ‘destroyed, besieged, attacked, captured and recaptured.’ Over and over again my invocation earnestly flows into the ancient stone wall, passing through it effortlessly in order to resound across dimensions in saeculi. The intimate-transcendent Most High is listening:

Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, 
miserere nobis.

Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, 
miserere nobis.

Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, 
dona nobis pacem.

Perhaps 15 minutes have passed. I gently detach myself from the wall. Transitioning from the ethereal, I look upward. And the peaceful, early-evening sky smiles at me. 

Pax Dei

On this mountain the Lord Almighty will prepare
    a feast of rich food for all peoples,
a banquet of aged wine—
    the best of meats and the finest of wines.
 On this mountain he will destroy
    the shroud that enfolds all peoples,
the sheet that covers all nations;

    he will swallow up death forever.
The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears
    from all faces;
he will remove his people’s disgrace
    from all the earth.
The Lord has spoken.

 In that day they will say,

“Surely this is our God;
    we trusted in him, and he saved us.
This is the Lord, we trusted in him;
    let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation.”

Isaiah 25: 6-9 NIV

Pax Dei--Living in Peace 4

NonViolence and NonPassivity

Clip from Gandhi movie (1982) on the salt march (1930)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WW3uk95VGes

 *****

Organizational Profile---NonViolent Peaceforce

(Cited from the website http://www.nonviolentpeaceforce.org/)

“The mission of Nonviolent Peaceforce is to promote, develop and implement unarmed civilian peacekeeping as a tool for reducing violence and protecting civilians in situations of violent conflict.

 We envision a world in which large-scale unarmed civilian peacekeeping using proven nonviolent strategies is recognized as a viable alternative in preventing, addressing, and mitigating violent conflicts worldwide. Our primary strategy for achieving this vision is the creation of space to foster dialogue.

 We most often respond to invitations by credible local organizations committed to nonviolent solutions. Once invited, we meet key players, including commanders from opposing sides, local police, religious, business, and civil society leaders. We live and work in communities within conflict zones alongside local people.

 When violence erupts, civilians under threat often contact us. They know and trust us. We have been living among them. Visibly nonpartisan and unarmed, we arrive in NP uniforms, with NP vehicles, letting our presence be known. We build the confidence and safety of civilians deeply affected by conflict so they can access available structures and mechanisms for addressing problems and grievances.

 Our activities have ranged from entering active conflict zones to remove civilians in the crossfire to providing opposing factions a safe space to negotiate. Other activities include serving as a communication link between warring factions, securing safe temporary housing for civilians displaced by war, providing violence prevention measures during elections and negotiating the return of kidnapped family members.”

 Watch a video about the Nonviolent Peaceforce:

http://www.nonviolentpeaceforce.org/see-unarmed-civilian-peacekeeping-building-nonviolent-peaceforce-its-entirety

*****
Pax Dei

You’re blessed when you can show people

how to cooperate instead of compete or fight.

That’s when you discover who you really are,

and your place in God’s family.

Jesus Christ, Matthew 5:9 The Message