Time for Peace

Continuing The Spiritual Journey

By: E. Jane Rutter

Today I found myself humming the song, Turn, Turn, Turn, from the Byrds. Taken from the Book of Ecclesiastes, the song affirms “There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens” (Eccl 3:1, New American Bible). Throughout the chapter, the poet juxtapositions 14 negative actions with positive ones.

From neighborhoods to schools to political parties we are experiencing a time of negative actions. Hate speech, intolerance and violence are on the rise across the U.S. Sadly, we are witnessing them here in our beloved community.

It’s time for us to act, to counter the negative with positive. To reinstate God’s love as the core of all we believe, say and do in our homes, communities and institutions. How can we be effective?

1. Pray – Christians, we are well familiar with the Our Father, the prayer that Jesus taught the disciples. It reminds us to rely on God, forgive as we have been forgiven and keep away from temptation and evil. Two feast days for angels are well-timed. Both offer us powerful prayers for protection to embrace.

September 29 is the Feast of Saint Michael the Archangel, who is associated with courage, protection and divine intervention. “Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil; May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; And do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan and all evil spirits who wander through the world for the ruin of souls. Amen.”

October 2 is the feast day of guardian angels. Jesus himself spoke of angels, admonishing the disciples to let the children come to him. “See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father” (Matt 18:10).

Parents let’s teach our children that God’s love for them is so great He has given them guardian angels. Encourage them to recite this prayer and keep it close to their hearts. “Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom God’s love commits me here, ever this day [or night] be at my side, to light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen.”

2. Look for the good in others – Make the conscious decision that everyone has worth in God eyes. Regardless of dress, income, status, likeability or political or religious affiliations, we are children of God, brothers and sisters in Christ. Start the day by taking a deep breath, exhale the defensive attitudes that bind us, and let others in. Slow down, greet, smile, be courteous, listen, thank, compliment. The wonderful result is that, by and large, people will return good with good.

3. Work for peace – St. Paul assures us we have each received different spiritual gifts, that, like the parts of a body, make us one (1 Cor 12:7). And, by living out our faith, we receive nine fruits of the Spirit: “…love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Gal 5:22). It’s time to bring our spiritual gifts and fruits to the table and work as one to heal the divisions in our homes, community and nation.

Today can be this time for peace, that the Byrds “…swear it’s not too late.”

And so I pray: Dear Lord, help me replace cynicism and complacency with your call to serve as an agent for peace.