Lord, we pray for golden peace

Rev. Fr. Paul Lelen Haokip *

Easter Sunday held at Manipur Baptist Convention (MBC) , Chingmeirong in April 2014 : Pix - Shanker Khangembam

Introduction:

Lord, we pray for golden peace, peace all over the land, let's us dwell in liberty, walking hand in hand. Banish fear and ignorance, hunger thirst and pain, banish hate and poverty, let each man live in peace. Perhaps, if peace were a purchasable commodity, the moneyed people would have bought more. Fortunately, PEACE is an internally attainable state of self, irrespective of economic status, social luminary or intellectual calibre. Therefore, it's an open game. The recent 3 days visit by Chinese PM Xi Jingping was a step towards peace. The warm handshakes between our PM Modi and Mr. Xi nevertheless lessened the LOC and LAC incursions and tensions. But a process has to begin somewhere. Mere monetary investment won't bring peace. Invest on peace.

Internation Day of Peace:

Established in 1981 by resolution 36/37, the United Nations General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples. Furthering the Day's mission, the General Assembly voted unanimously in 2001 to adopt resolution 55/282 establishing 21 September as an annual day of non-violence and cease- fire.

2014 Theme: "Rights of peoples to peace"

This year's International Day of Peace theme recognizes the 30th United Nations General Assembly Declaration on the Right of Peoples to Peace. On Sunday 21 September 2014, join millions of people around the world as they participate in activities, events, concerts and festivals to celebrate the International Day of Peace, recognizing that the promotion of peace is vital for the full enjoyment of all human rights. Explore the campaign, "I have a right to peace" and "We all have a right to peace".

Peace from the biblical pages:

Matthew 10:34-36 "Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a person's enemies will be those of his own household. John 16:33 "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." Isaiah 26:3 "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. 1 Peter 3:11 "Let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it". Romans 12:18 "If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all."

Matthew 5:9 "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Isaiah 54:10 "Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed," says the LORD, who has compassion on you. Isaiah 55:12 "You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands."

John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." Romans 14:17-19 "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men. Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification."

1 Corinthians 14:33 "For God is not a God of disorder but of peace. As in all the congregations of the saints." 2 Thessalonians 3:16 "Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you." Romans 15:13 "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Philippians 4:6-7 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Isaiah 26:3 "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you." The peace that God gives is conditional if you hope to have it remain in your mind. What is the condition? It is for those "whose mind is stayed on" God because they trust Him. The word used for "stay" has great meaning for the Christian. The Hebrew word means to remain in one place like a wooden peg driven into a tent to keep it in place. It is fixed and cannot be easily moved. This brings "perfect" or complete peace. It doesn't mean that it's perfect as much as it means complete. That is like Jesus' words on the cross "It is finished" or "It is paid in full" so stay your mind on that!

Peace is strength:

People Energetic, Affirmative, Concerned of Earth. This is PEACE. You will undoubtedly find a hopeless (people of low self esteem) uncaring about the welfare of the earth. You can't possibly speak about peace to him because peace is one of the important sustaining elements for the earth conducive for life to a lifeless/hopeless person. The greatest strength of a person is to forgive one's wrong doer/s. Timid and small hearted people can't do this. It is a herculean task for great and strong people. Weakness leads to violence. Strength leads to forgiveness, peace.

Salute peace, not dilute:

Invest TRUST for peace. To walk pass by someone without any fear presupposes that you have trust on him/her for no hurt. This is TRUST. This is the bosom of peace where it develops. Anything good is respected and honoured. If you can't be a positive contributor of peace, at least don't disrupt it. Do not dilute peace if you are not in a position to salute. Mere adjustment to problems or wrong in the name of keeping peace is FALSE PEACE. Anything false is always false and show its ugly head someday.

Conclusion:

Lord, we pray for peace amongst Christians who claim to be your followers. Forgive us for our violent nature and non-forgiving attitude. We detest our hypocrisy and double standard life. 2 Thessalonians 3:16 "Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all." Being peaceful to animals, insects, plants can be a clear sign of genuine orientation and care for the existence of peace. Those who are not interested in peace bring people into pieces. Book them and let the jails be filled with them. Hiding behind religious books or names while perpetrating violence is being wolf in sheep's skin. People will read you soon.