The attention of many of us undoubtedly has been drawn to the turmoil and conflict in the Middle East in recent times.
Finger pointing and recriminations are rife in the accompanying rhetoric of words. The region seemingly has never enjoyed that peace, which we in far-away New Zealand may often take for granted, for countless centuries. It occupies a bridge so to speak between Asia and Africa, not far also from Europe. It seems everyone is striving for political and economic superiority in that historical flash point even to this day.
Norris Hall
Following the battles and destruction of World War I, many countries banded together to establish the League of Nations with the aim of ensuring that that war would never be repeated. The aftermath of that war borne out in peace treaties and simmering national rivalries and angst soon put paid to that utopian ideal. Those treaties sowed the seeds for an equally destructive second World War. And again many nations united in their desire to enjoy peace during which to recover and rebuild. But in many regions today, both near and distant, that ideal of and seeking for peace is a far off dream.
Here in the South Pacific, New Zealand today seems, time and again, to enjoy that idea and sense and experience of peace. But in many cities and provincial towns however society appears to be at war with itself. Witness the almost daily murders, ram raids, stabbings, abductions, car thefts, vandalism, a lack of respect for others and so on. Everyday citizens may not feel at peace living in their homes and carrying out their day to day lives and business in town and elsewhere; retailers are feeling vulnerable and exposed to violence.
And even in homes, many of which are suffering from the turmoil of economic restraint and hardship, that peace and assurance of making two ends meet can be a far-away experience. KiwiSaver hardship withdrawal applications are on the rise. And that lack of financial security may also give rise to domestic tensions and familial breakdowns if not simmering stress and desperation.
We live in troubled times.
Those who practise their respective faiths are called upon to pray for peace in the world, in our nation and much closer to home. But like charity which begins at home, perhaps it is important to remember that one first prays for peace and harmony in his or her heart and then for peace elsewhere. St. Francis of Assisi once prayed, “Lord, make me a channel [or instrument] of your peace”.
Jesus of Nazareth is referred by many as the Prince of Peace. He preached in his time non-violence, loving one’s neighbour, establishing social justice to name a few items in the agenda he sought to accomplish and fulfil. What he said may have been easy to listen to, but hard to put into practice for many.
While many of us may not feel called to be St. Francis’ channels or instruments of peace for whatever reason, we may however feel moved to seek and find peace and harmony in our hearts and minds, our families, our neighbour-hoods, our communities and beyond. That is a start.
It is important that while we ensure that that peace is not an elusive dream. It begins with us.
