Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
I have recently been reading a series of novels by Joseph F. Girzone, one of the books; "Joshua and the Children" has especially moved me with the possibility for bringing peace to a broken world. In the story, Joshua (Jesus come once again to earth in modern times) teaches the children in Northern Ireland about loving one each other. Joshua teaches the children because children are still innocent and only learn prejudice and judgment from the adults in their lives. The possibilities with an open mind allow the power of God's love to permeate the communities and the children begin to become a community of Catholic and Protestant children caring for one another. After a local newspaper writes an article about this new peace among the children, Joshua is pleased with what is beginning to happen. I offer this quote from the book that so touched me in relation to this event.
The children have the potential to bring sanity and restore goodness to a sick world. People from widely scattered places began coming to talk with Joshua, a new kind of people, different from the others who had been coming. These were good people with social standing and with resources. Some offered their help. Some offered money. Some asked what he thought they could do in their own way back home. To each, Joshua's answer was the same: Work for peace by rising above the pettiness of life and never taking offence. Be kind to those who are miserable. Show appreciation to those who do good work. Respect the dignity of each person. Heal wounds where ever you find hurt. Do whatever you can to comfort those who are troubled. Replace anger and suspicion with understanding. It doesn't take money. It takes love and concern.
In this particular situation the kids could teach the adults and the legacy they would reap would be because they could rise above the issues that divided their families and bring peace to their broken world. The advice Joshua gave is the same advice Jesus gave as He taught the disciples about the fulfillment of the law. Mr. Girzone was putting the words of Jesus to use in imagining his story about the solution to the religious strife that has been so prevalent in Ireland; we too can hear those words in a manner that speaks to our hearts. While we may not be able to bring peace to a broken world, we can strive to have the love God created be the greatest presence in the community of faith here at Christ Church. Taking the words Jesus first spoke and Mr. Girzone re-stated we can pray over the concept of rising above the ways of the world, be kind and pray for those who struggle with being happy and we can trust that God has wonderful things in store for this community if we can open our hearts and our eyes to see the wonders that already exist here.
May God be manifest in you, so that the light of Christ shines through you.
Blessings,
Mother Sue+
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