The Power of Peace

Recently, our music director, Richard Clark, had the wonderful opportunity to compose a work titled "Dona Nobis Pacem" (Grant Us Peace) for the Elementary Honor Choir for the American Choral Directors Association Eastern Division.  I was moved by the power of the lyrics to reflect how timely the message was at this time.

We live in a times where so many choose violence over peace.  We see this in the terrible and murderous acts of nations and terrorists groups alike.  And we see national leaders and individuals crying out to combat violence with more violence, or at least weapons that present the threat of violence.  Some say there is not other way.

But in our times and in past times, we have heard other words.  Words of peace.  

Jesus said: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." (John 14:27)  Times were troubled in Jesus' day, what with the Roman occupation of his homeland.  Yet, the peace Jesus offers is that of the Holy Spirit, alive in our hearts, alive in our lives, alive in our world.  If we allow it.  We have the power to allow the Spirit to work Her ways in the world, or to deny the Spirit.

St. Francis is ascribed to have said "Make me a channel of your peace" and "in forgiving, we are made free."  He knew the power of the Spirit working in and through him.

In our times, Mahatma Gandhi said "Non-violence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind.  It is mightier than the mightiest weapon of destruction devised by the ingenuity of man."  We know from the Bible than many times the word of God was spoken by those other than the chosen people.  Clearly Gandhi felt the Spirit of God moving and understood the Power of Peace.  

The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King said "Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend."  From peace comes forgiveness.  And one of our greatest powers is to forgive.  It is through forgiving that we allow God to enter the person being forgiven.  We continue the work of redemption began by Christ on the cross.

Peace is powerful. It is the very Holy Spirit moving in us and in the world around us.  Let it flow!