From the November 2024 Parish Magazine
Dear friends,
As we approach this season of Remembrance, I have been thinking about our duty as Christians to be people of peace, to promote peace, and to be peaceful in all that we offer. I’m basing this on John 14: 27 where Jesus said:
‘Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. [Let my perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.]’.
Jesus was talking about a perfect peace, a peace which does not come from the world, but rather from a rootedness in Christ. It’s not something that comes naturally to us as people, but it’s something that we strive for as we grow more into the likeness of Christ.
I’m not sure about you, but at times I find it really difficult to be a person of peace. There can be so much that takes my attention and deadlines that need to be met – there’s always something which suggests that taking time is not an option. And yet, Jesus gives us a peace which is perfect, one which stops our hearts from being troubled, and casts out fear. When we fix our eyes on Christ, he will calm us and equip us with all that we need.
As a slightly odd segway, this reminds me of Dr Who, of whom I have been a fan for many years. Dr Who so often finds himself in the midst of conflict where lives are seriously threatened, yet he (and she) seeks a conclusion which is fair, just and peaceful wherever possible. Dr Who seems to always enter stage left with a desire to diffuse the situation and bring clarity and peace. So often clarity is something which is lacking, but something which is there when we turn to Christ.
So, in this season of Remembrance, let’s commit to slowing down, to turning our faces back to Christ, to gaining clarity and moving forward together with compassion and peace.
Every blessing,
Morna
