Scripture: Isaiah 59:8
The way of peace they do not know, and there is no justice in their paths. Their roads they have made crooked; no one who walks in them knows peace.
Thought for the Day: Tomorrow is the International Day of Peace, a day set aside by the United Nations for active peacemaking among individuals, communities and nations. I’m glad we have this day, but I look to a time when we set aside a day of rest from all the peace work we are doing the other 364 days of the year. Isaiah the prophet indicates how justice and peace must work together, otherwise the people will not know peace. The work of peacemaking requires time, energy, a rooted spirituality, passion and creativity. Hafsat Abiola, a Nigerian civil activist, says, “Peace comes from being able to contribute the best that we have, and all that we are, toward creating a world that supports everyone. But it is also securing the space for others to contribute the best that they have and all that they are.” The work of peacemaking is not a task given to a few, while others passively receive. Instead, it requires the work of all people toward a common goal where the barriers of injustice are cleared to make room for peace to travel into every city, township and enclave on this planet.
Prayer: Help me find a few ways of practicing peace this day, O Lord, as I warm-up for the International Day of Peace tomorrow…which hopefully will make peacemaking a habit for the days that follow. Amen.
