At the June Woodland Ecumenical and Multifaith Ministries (WEMM) meeting, there was a brief discussion regarding passing a resolution supporting a cease-fire to the fighting in Israel and Gaza.
It was not a discussion about supporting one side or another. There was no disagreement that our faith communities support peace over bloodshed. One humorous yet serious comment was, "Wouldn't it be nice to hear a news story about two differing factions facing off and peace breaking out?"
Why do people and countries choose war over peace?
The majority of the discussion asked what impact a resolution coming from a small group from Woodland would have. During that discussion, if you listened closely, you could hear several people humming or quietly mouthing the words to the song, Let there be peace on earth. This song, written by Jill and Sy Miller and recorded by Vince Gill, continues.
"Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me. Let there be peace on earth, the peace that was meant to be. With God as our creator, family all are we, let me walk with each other in perfect harmony." What can one person do? What can one small group resolution do? It can begin with me. We can agree that there are disagreements among us. We can agree that wrongs have been committed. We can agree that we disagree. We can also agree that bloodshed and warfare is not the answer to those disagreements.
What can happen if one small group speaks up and requests a cease-fire? What can one small mustard seed do? In Mark's gospel, the 4th chapter we learn about what one seed can do.
He also said, "With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable will we use for it? It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs, and puts forth large branches so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade."
Can a single call for peace (or at least a cease-fire) be like the mustard seed? If I want to provide something tall and majestic a redwood seed would be an option. The mustard plant, while not a majestic tree, has another purpose. With its small seeds, it catches the wind and spreads and grows like weeds – everywhere. Unlike the common weed, it is large enough to provide shade and shelter.
May a single seed asking for peace on earth, begin with me, spread and flourish, and allow all of us to walk with each other in perfect harmony. Like the Millers' song suggests, let peace begin with me and the parable of the mustard seed, let it grow and put forth many branches so that all may benefit.
By Thomas Stoffregen | American Lutheran Church
No comments:
Post a Comment