Let there be peace on earth
and let it begin with me.
A German city was recently evacuated
after unexploded bombs from World War II were found in a nearby
river. The dramatic story of the defusing of these weapons inspires
reflection on the “unexploded bombs” that lurk beneath the
surface of so many of our relationships with family members and
friends.
As the holidays approach, what bombs will we encounter as we gather around tables for meals and conversation? Alcohol abuse, infidelity, drug abuse, mental illness, sexual addiction?
What bombs will we bring with us? Anger, resentment, jealousy, bitterness? And perhaps the most important question of all: How can we defuse these bombs?
As the holidays approach, what bombs will we encounter as we gather around tables for meals and conversation? Alcohol abuse, infidelity, drug abuse, mental illness, sexual addiction?
What bombs will we bring with us? Anger, resentment, jealousy, bitterness? And perhaps the most important question of all: How can we defuse these bombs?
During
the Christmas season, we are bombarded by cards, gifts, music, ads
and parties. All promise happiness. But many people enter the season
feeling hurts, losses, disappointments and grief. How can this pain
be acknowledged?
The early disciples
interaction with Jesus was experiential. Jesus invited them to "come
and see" and they came and saw. They gained insight found only
at the level of profound trust. Jesus invites us to experience
transcendence for the mystery of our lives is in our midst.
Superseding John the Baptist, Jesus invites us to explore the Christ
within us. There we may find the "God of peace" that passes
all understanding. This Advent may the lyrics of that anthem become
our inner battle cry: "Let there be peace on earth and let it
begin with me."
