The International Day of Living Together in Peace (May 16th) captured my interest. Thinking about our world at this time – where scenes of violence are regularly shown on our TV screen or are the headlines in our newspapers. Reports bring many emotions forward but are not on the side of peace. News of ongoing atrocities in Sudan; gang violence in Haiti; starvation and destruction of villages in Gaza; devastation of the people, land and structures in Ukraine. Unbearable news that breaks one’s heart and leaves one feeling helpless.
Most recently is the unrest seen at many University campuses both in the U.S. and in parts of our own country. Young students standing on behalf of those who have literally lost their voice. Students ‘wanting a peaceful world’ risk being jailed on behalf of their Palestinian brothers and sisters.
How are each one of us being called at this moment to respond? Knowing that we are not called ‘to the front lines’ in any of the above situations, what is ours to do?
I recently came across the following quote adapted by Mirabai Starr which has become a daily invitation as I go about the work of the day.
Joshua Sukoff/Unsplash
“Our task is to mend the broken world. We do this through every act of loving kindness we offer others in a spirit of generosity, and hospitality. It is an offering of each of us as we are…with no strings attached. ”
As I said earlier ‘we will not be asked to go to the front lines to serve the dear neighbor’ yet, who is the neighbour nearby to whom I can offer kind words or gestures of generous hospitality? On this International Day of Living in Peace, how can I live peace that will make a difference? Our actions, large or small, and our thoughts make a difference, and they can help mend this broken world.
-Sister Ann MacDonald, CSJ