Since 1982, September 21 was declared by the UN to be an international day of peace. Nations, communities and individuals are invited to stop and reflect on the causes of violence and hostilities at all levels. Areas where there is wars are invited to observe ceasefire and non-violence. 29 years have passed since this day was proclaimed a global observance; progress have been made on personal and social levels. Obviously there is still a lot to be done. Let us reflect, pray and sponsor initiatives that can promote peace and non-violence in our neighborhoods, communities and societies.
Called to work as ambassadors of reconciliation (2Cor. 5,18-20):
“All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God”.
Called to be active part of this “new creation” brought about, not only by the death of the son of God on the cross, but more so by his resurrection, we are commissioned to be aware of, to pray for and to work for a new creation free of hatred, violence and mutual annihilation. Among the initiatives for this international day for peace, the Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation (Sponsored by the Cincinnati and Kansas City Provinces) organizes a 100 days of prayer calling people wherever they are to “make their voices heard.” Let us join them, as CPPS world-wide to the campaign.
A Pledge of nonviolence (from the Prayer by John Dear, SJ, 2009)
(Leader) I invite all those who are ready to recite together this pledge of nonviolence, that we will try to practice and live the nonviolence of Jesus for the rest of our lives:
In the name of the God of peace and nonviolent Jesus,
I pledge today to live, practice and teach the nonviolence of Jesus,
- to renounce violence and to non-cooperate with the world’s violence;
- to love every one as my sister and brother;
- to respond with love and not to retaliate with violence;
- to forgive those who have hurt me and reconcile with everyone;
- to accept suffering as I work for justice, rather than inflict further suffering;
- to live more simply, at one with all creation;
- to work with others for the abolition of war, poverty, nuclear weapons, global warming and all violence;
- to follow the nonviolent Jesus on the way of the cross into the new life of resurrection, knowing that my life is in God’s hands, that life, love and peace are stronger than death, hatred and war;
- to seek God’s reign of nonviolence for the rest of my life;
- and to promote and teach the Gospel message of nonviolence.
May the God of peace give me the grace and strength to fulfill this pledge and make me an instrument of God’s peace. Amen.
Text: Felix Mushobozi, CPPS, General Curia