International Peace Sunday
Rev. Jen Auger
Did you know the Sunday before Remembrance Day is known as the International Peace Sunday? As we navigate a world that feels like it is full of discord, and we are faced with the great costs of war, many look to peace as the replacement to such heartache. But what is Peace? Peace means so many things to so many different people: sometimes it is a feeling and sometimes it is an action, sometimes it is a process and sometimes it is an end point. Isaiah 65:17-25 offers a New Vision for the world. It is one where beauty and suffering are held in balance, where praise for what is and hope for what could be are held in a delicate balance. This vision invites us to ground ourselves in gratitude, yet still reach for more: reach for Peace. So what does peace mean to you? What would be your vision of peace for the world? And if that vision seems too out of reach at the moment, try breaking it down. Take a moment to consider if you could do one thing today to make someone else feel better, what would you do? If you have a child in your life, ask them this question, and let their wisdom surprise you!
May peace be with you! ~ Jen
Some things to share together:
...SOME MUSIC: Light a Candle for Peace. This song might be familiar to anyone who is connected with Montessori learning. It is one that I have taught many young people in the last few years. And in honour of recent Diwali celebrations, and the start of the season of celebrations of light, I thought I would share it with you now. I look forward to singing it with our HSUC kiddos down the road!
...A STORY: Maybe Something Beautiful, by F. Isabel Campoy & Theresa Howell
This is the true story of how art changed a neighbourhood. Sometimes "peace" comes through unusual channels. Projects that build relationships, and shrink the walls we put up through shared interests. Sometimes we even have to break rules or traditions in order to create space for something new to happen... Have you ever been involved in a project that created peace in a new way?
…AND A LITTLE EXTRA: What is Peace? While we speak a lot about Peace in all the major faith traditions, the way people define "peace" can be quite different. Here is a video from the Mennonite Central Committee asking people in Zambia how they define 'Peace". Does this line up with your understanding of peace? Do any of these thoughts make you think about peace differently?