I just returned from St. Francis High School where I was alongside a Buddhist monk, several folks from Temple Beth El, and several close Catholic friends celebrating the International Day of Non-Violence. The reps from each tradition shared for a few minutes about the call to peace within their faith. I shared about how Jesus told Peter to put away his sword (John 18:10-11) because God had called Him to suffer and die (ultimate pacifism).
Receiving the forgiveness that was bought at the ultimate price empowers us to honor and welcome people even when we're suffering unjustly at their hand. True peace only comes when someone is willing to pay the price. But we can't give what we haven't first received. In other words, if I am choked with bitterness at the wrongs that have been done to me, I probably don't understand how fully and freely I've been forgiven for the wrongs I've done against God and others.
Friday, October 2, 2009
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