We Are Peacemakers! Yes, We Are!
By Andrew Murphy of Independence, MO, USA
Above all else, strive to be faithful to Christ’s vision of the peaceable Kingdom of God on earth. Courageously challenge cultural, political, and religious trends that are contrary to the reconciling and restoring purposes of God. Pursue peace. —Doctrine and Covenants 163:3b
Several people from Community of Christ participated in a peace rally at a nuclear weapons plant in Kansas City, Missouri. Later our congregation shared in a motivating worship service, with a re-enactment of the rally for those who didn’t attend. I closed the service with this prayer:
Gracious and Loving God, from the start of our caring and sharing moments, we realized as a congregation, your love never ends. We see it in the pictures we’ve seen today. We see it in the actions of those with outstretched arms and voices for peace.
And yet we know that’s not enough. We read, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for we will call them the children of God.” As children of God may we have that ever-widening view that sees no boundaries, no fences separating and dividing creation.
As we sing today of the peace of Jesus, burn within us, God. Fan the flames of equity; melt the walls of separation. Thank you for the words we heard today. It causes me to think of the wise words of President Eisenhower, “Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired signifies, in the final sense, a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and are not clothed…”
May we remember this experience today that brings within us a call to action, a call to remember. Especially during the approaching elections, may we support leaders who share our morals of love, share our values of peace. Help us realize that when neighbors gather with neighbors, we will have the power to share the peace of Jesus Christ.
We are the ones the world awaits to live the words we pray. We, you, me. We are the ones. Amen.
Spiritual Practice
God calls Community of Christ to ministries of peace, reconciliation, and healing of the spirit. PeacePathways is a church-sponsored website sharing peace and justice ministries, resources, and opportunities. Visit the website www.peace-pathways.org/ and discern one ministry that speaks to you or captures your attention. Offer a prayer of blessing on the peace ministry you select. Listen quietly to see if God is calling you to additional responses to this ministry or another ministry of peace, reconciliation, or healing. If you cannot visit the website, offer a prayer of blessing on all peace ministries.
Peace Covenant
Hey, Hey…Ho Ho…nuclear weapons have to go!
Hey, Hey…Ho Ho…nuclear weapons have to go!
