July 2025

A few weeks back our family + friends (18 of us) gathered to celebrate my dad’s 90th birthday. One of the gifts we gave to dad was a peace pole.  The pole bears the message May Peace Prevail on Earth in 8 different languages (English, Spanish, Hebrew, Greek, Swahili, Arabic, Gaelic and Ukrainian).

The message on the pole, now near the church’s north entrance, not only provides an important prayer but also a compelling commission. 

We often become uncertain about our role in peacemaking when the global landscape is so conflicted. We can even become uncertain when our local effort to build peace with neighbors meets resistance.

Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God,” (Matthew 5:9).

He did not say, “Blessed are those who have peace or prefer peace or await peace.” Rather, blessed are the peacemakers, the doers of peace, the makers of peace. They see other people through God’s eyes. And not just people up close or across the table. All people. And since all are welcomed into God’s big family by the boundless love of God, that becomes our prayer and commission to see that peace prevails, justice is sought, reconciliation forged, love triumphs over hate and all know through our work, witness and friendship, the welcoming heart of God.  

Tom

“If there is to be peace in the world,
There must be peace in the nations.
If there is to be peace in the nations,
There must be peace in the cities.
If there is to be peace in the cities,
There must be peace between neighbors.
If there is to be peace between neighbors,
There must be peace in the home.
If there is to be peace in the home,
There must be peace in the heart.”

― Lao-tse