2014 Season of Peace
Path of Peace Daily Reflections
Throughout A Season of Peace (September 7–October 5), subscribe to this daily email of reflections and prayer to guide your journey as a peacemaker, a child of God. This year’s Path of Peace Daily Reflections were written by Presbyterians who traveled to Israel and Palestine for the 2014 Presbyterian Peacemaking Program conference, “Mosaic of Peace.” Each day a Scripture reading from The BiblicalWitness to Peacemaking is paired with a conference participant’s reflection and prayer. A simple action is also suggested to create practical ways to engage daily.
September 7, 2014
Isaiah 40:27–31
Submitted by Ginna Bairby
Reflection: When I reflect on my time in Israel/Palestine with the “Mosaic of Peace” Conference, I remember two walls.
The first is the Wailing Wall, a Jewish holy site at the only remaining part of the Temple, destroyed in 70 CE. Jewish people come to this wall to pray, to touch the wall and cry, and to wedge their written prayers into its cracks and crevices.
The second is the Separation Wall constructed to isolate Israeli people from Palestinian people, called everything from a “security measure” to an “apartheid wall.” This wall inhibits the economic, political, social, and religious well-being of the Palestinian people, and they have responded by inscribing their own prayers—in words, stories, and art—in a mosaic of protest graffiti.
Both walls have seen many hopes, tears, and prayers; but mostly, they’ve seen waiting. Forty-seven years have passed since the Six-Day War, 66 since the partition and the beginning of violence and displacement. These walls belong to people who have long grown weary of waiting.
So what are we to do with a text like this from Isaiah, one that calls upon us to wait for God’s renewal? Sure, God may not faint or grow weary (v. 28), but we in our war-torn world surely have!
It gives me hope to know that these words were written to the Hebrew people in exile, to a community that had also grown weary with waiting. That to fearful and occupied people, whether in the sixth century BC or the twenty-first century AD, God continues to promise renewal.
Action: Perhaps this text issues a call to us as well. Where in your community have people waited too long for justice and peace? Begin the conversation with those around you—for what have they been waiting too long? Perhaps you will be the wall upon which others can inscribe their prayers.
Prayer: God of hope, we are weary for the waiting. Quench the thirst of our hearts with your renewal. Bring your people peace. Amen.
Ginna Bairby is the managing editor of Unbound, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s online journal for social justice issues, and the official blogger for “Mosaic of Peace.” Ginna is a member of the Presbytery of the James.
September 8, 2014
Proverbs 10:28-13:12
Submitted by Eva Hendrix-Shovlin
Reflection: Proverbs teaches us that righteous people live in hope, gladness, and joy. God is the stronghold, hiding place, support, and comfort to those acting in hope. God will protect us when we share truth and wisdom.
It also teaches us that destruction is evil. People expect to gain from their destructive actions and feel entitled to prosperity, but chase their tails endlessly, begetting only more unrest. Though we may feel insulated and even arrogant because of the privilege many of us experience, destructive acts leave us vulnerable. There is no protection from God, because the sin of destruction separates us from God’s love. God seeks to bring justice in the midst of our perverted words and deeds by cutting away the desire for death and destruction.
“Some pretend to be rich, yet have nothing,” we read in 13:7. We have developed a talent for pretending, for ignoring the injustice in our own backyards, at the kitchen table, on the daily commute. The words in Proverbs call out to us, whether through a gentle nudging, a whispering Jiminy Cricket-type voice, or by simply smacking us in the head. We are our own worst enemy! There is no security, wall, comfy church pew, or air-conditioned cubicle that can protect us from ourselves and from the truth. The truth is this: we are connected. We are one body in this one Lord, and to give life to the other is to give life to our own, to ourselves.
[Phrases like] “There is no peace without justice” and “No one is free while others are oppressed” come to mind when we consider Proverbs 11:11—“A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but an accurate weight is his delight”—and the depth of God’s yearning for peace, equality, and healing. God delights in each kind word and just action.
We need to focus on giving life, to rejoice in the life-giving generosity referred to in Proverbs 11:25, saying, “A generous person will be enriched, and one who gives water will get water.” We need to remember that it feels good to give because it draws us closer to God.
Action: Be righteous and reject destructive tendencies by engaging in an act of creation today. You are not too old or too young or too anything for finger-paints, for writing a poem or letter, cooking something tasty—almost anything. Create a space to express your reflections on connectedness today.
Prayer: Thank you for making us one, for your perfect vision of wholeness.
We are learning, we are listening, we are working with you and for you.
Eva Hendrix-Shovlin is a member of Hunting Ridge Presbyterian Church in Baltimore Presbytery.
September 9, 2014
Jeremiah 17:5-13
Submitted by Cara Bissell
While I was in Israel and Palestine with the “Mosaic of Peace” Conference, I asked Abuna Father Elias Chacour, “How is boycotting Soda Stream helping Israel and Palestine to get along together?” He answered, “Follow your Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s leadership. They have prayed and worked hard on this. Many denominations have taken no action.”
I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind. I had bought a Soda Stream machine 1½ years ago and felt the need to bring it with me to the conference. Chacour’s remarks struck me personally. I was asked, “What will you do with the machine?” I answered, “I’ll do as the Spirit moves me,” unsure whether I’d break it or give it to someone in solidarity. I did neither.
Lord, You are the hope of Israel. Time for prayer, talking with conference leadership, small group dialogue, and listening to two Palestinians who saw me carrying the machine was helpful in my discernment. One Palestinian told me, “I am against breaking anything that is good.” The other Palestinian simply said, “Soda Stream is one of the best settlement companies for Palestinians, even though it is on occupied Palestinian land.” I also learned that it is against Israeli law to protest against Israeli products and that Palestinians may have been adversely affected by my actions. It was and is more complicated than I had ever imagined.
Blessed are those who trust in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord.They shall be like a tree planted by the water, sending out its roots by the stream.”
Action: As you are moved by the Spirit to further the cause of justice and peace, write to your congressional representatives and our national leaders about a matter that is close to your heart.
Prayer: Dear Lord, make us instruments of your divine will. Remind us that no matter what powers or principalities we are subject to, we are all loved by you. Give the occupied Palestinians hope and inner peace. Allow nonviolent means to bring justice and peace to us all. May we see and act wisely on our local problems, for these decisions also affect people beyond our borders. Amen.
Cara Bissell is a member of Valley Presbyterian Church in Presbytery de Cristo.
September 10, 2014
Psalm 9
Submitted by Andrew Rosencrans
Reflection: Peacemakers often encounter the tension of “the already and the not yet.” The psalmist gratefully recalls God’s past victories and offers praise for righteous judgments already rendered. The psalmist describes a futurein which the transient frailty of enemies whose memories have perished contrasts with the eternal efficacy of the Lord who sits enthroned forever. But the psalmist is equally mindful that the present is a time when the needy are routinely forgotten and the poor are habituated to despair.
The tension of the “already and the not yet” recalls a dramatic moment in the struggle against apartheid. Bishop Desmond Tutu was leading a service of worship in St. George’s Cathedral. As the service began, the walls of the cathedral were lined with soldiers and riot police. They were not there to protect the Bishop; they were there to disperse the assembly if it became an embarrassment to the status quo. As Desmond Tutu began to speak, he talked about the injustice of the apartheid system; and then, pointing his finger at the police who were recording his sermon, he said, “You may be powerful—but you are not God. God cannot be mocked; and you have already lost!”
Then the Bishop came out from behind the pulpit; he smiled; and he said to the police and soldiers, “Since you have already lost, we are inviting you to join the winning side.” The crowd roared its approval; the police left the sanctuary; and the people began to dance in the aisles.
Action: Read Daniel 2 and Percy Shelley’s poem “Ozymandius” and prayerfully reflect on the hopeful contrast between human and eternal kingdoms.
Prayer: Eternal God, incline your ear to do justice for the orphan and the oppressed, so that those from earth may strike terror no more. (Psalm 10:18) Amen.
Andrew Rosencrans is a pastor/chaplain in Presbytery of Chicago, and was on the planning team for “Mosaic of Peace.”
September 11, 2014
Luke 24:13-35
Submitted by Christie Wiersma
Reflection: The walk to Emmaus . . . two disciples of the by then crucified Jesus, are walking and discussing together the recent events of their Lord’s death. They encounter a man thought to be unfamiliar to them; a stranger, so they thought, who seemed to know nothing of this man Jesus. This was a walk that would realize itself as the most important walk of their lives, on a road they had undoubtedly traveled many times before, but this time a walk that would literally change their lives.
As I walked and followed in the footsteps of Jesus with my fellow “Mosaic of Peace” participants, I found this story coming to mind. Here I was walking on ground where the person who was the essence of compassion, the personification of peace, justice, and reconciliation had walked, been exalted, suffered, and ultimately raised in glory. Here I was walking in this land called holy, this land of the Holy One and I was in awe. I was in wonder. I was deeply moved, and I was profoundly disturbed. Then, just like the two disciples, my eyes were opened. They were opened to examples of fellowship, community, compassion, and care for the dignity of the other, regardless of who the “other” might be. People helping others, sharing lives, living what the disciples in Emmaus had learned—that we need not focus on the distinctions that make us different as individuals and as a people. What is important is what the disciples learned that evening in the breaking of the bread with Jesus: that we strive to see Christ in the other and that there be a willingness by all to eat together while worshiping the same God.
Action: On this most portentous of days for our country, be mindful of all whose paths you cross and seek the Christ in the other, no matter how difficult or easy this may be.
Prayer: Merciful and gracious God: On this most difficult of days for this nation, we ask that, like the two disciples walking to Emmaus we too may move from ignorance to acknowledging and embracing the Christ in others. Empower us with your Holy Spirit to be the hands and feet of Christ, working for peace with justice and reconciliation throughout this troubled yet precious world of yours. In your Son’s name we pray, Amen.
Christie Wiersma is a ruling elder at Eastminster Presbyterian Church in Lake Michigan Presbytery.
September 12, 2014
Romans 12:9-13
Submitted by Dick Ruppert
Reflection: These verses from Paul’s letter to the Roman church contain many themes: sincere love, despising evil, hard work, devotion, joyful hope, patience in troubles, the importance of prayer and sharing, opening our homes to strangers. Linger awhile on these many important themes.
The day I began reflecting on these verses from Paul, I heard three speakers in Bethlehem as part of the Mosaic of Peace conference. First was an American-born Jewish woman who described working for an Israeli NGO that advocates human rights in occupied Palestine. Next we heard a Jerusalem-born Palestinian businessman who, like Thomas Wolfe, can’t go home again, except with a lot of red tape. He emphasized equal justice for Palestinians and Israelis. A Bethlehem Bible College dean mentioned the difficulties he experienced returning to Palestine after studying in the US. So American-born Jews can have a homein Israel, but Palestinians may be denied the right to return to their homeland.
That afternoon, we visited a refugee camp and stopped at the separation wall. Consider the experiences of these speakers, the people in camps, and the wall. Look again at Paul’s words to the church in Rome 2,000 years ago. Many of his thoughts then apply to reconciling Israel/Palestine relations now.
Action: Today, ask your leaders in Congress to advocate for a peaceful resolution between Israel and Palestine and especially for the “right of return” for Palestinian refugees.
Prayer: Help us understand more about the plight of the Palestinians, both those in occupied territories and those in refugee camps. Help us understand Israel’s concerns about security. Show us how we can help bring about equal justice. Help our leaders find ways to apply the words from Paul’s letter to the conflict between Israel and Palestine.
Dick Ruppert is a ruling elder at Faith Presbyterian Church in San Diego Presbytery.
September 13, 2014
I Peter 3:13-17
Submitted by Ann Ruppert
Reflection:
This passage addresses some interpersonal issues, and suggests some peacemaking approaches to handling them. At times we may think we are relating well with people or are taking the right action, and we feel good about that. But it may happen that an acquaintance criticizes or questions our actions or our relationships with others.And we may be hurt by the questions or criticism.
At times we may be misunderstood. If so, it is important to talk with those who question us and listen carefully to them “with gentleness and respect.” It may even be that we are the ones who have misunderstood the situation. Our response may be difficult to handle if the situation involves confidential or private matters. In such times, it is important to respect privacy issues and maintain appropriate boundaries, even in the face of criticism.
Action: When you face criticism for doing what you believe is right, read this passage from 1 Peter. Pray for God’s grace, that you might relate to your critic with “gentleness and reverence.”
Prayer: Lord, help us work with others and relate to them. Give us the patience to approach situations of conflict as peacemakers. When our good intentions are misunderstood, show us how to explain ourselves. When our good intentions are done in error, help us find ways to make amends. Amen.
Ann Ruppert is a ruling elder at Faith Presbyterian Church in San Diego Presbytery.
September 14, 2014
Isaiah 60:17-22
Submitted by Ellen Brantley
Reflection: A key to a front door—an image that symbolizes the paradox of the Israel-Palestine conflict for me. When we visited Yad Vashem, (“Memorial to a Name”), the Holocaust Museum in Jerusalem, I noticed a glass case displaying several keys. I stopped to read the description and learned that many of the Jews who fled Poland kept their house keys in hopes that they would return home someday. Of course, they never did.
In the West Bank, we visited the Dheisheh Refugee Camp. Dheisheh was established in 1949 as a temporary refuge for Palestinians who fled during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. Many of the residents here have also kept the keys to their homes. Will they ever be able to return?
The prophet Isaiah proclaims, “I will appoint Peace as your overseer and Righteousness as your taskmaster. Violence shall no more be heard in your land, devastation or destruction within your borders. You shall call your walls Salvation, and your gates Praise.” (Is. 60:17b-18) These words are addressed to allthe inhabitants of the land called Zion. God will be glorified as, “The least of them . . . become a clan, and the smallest one a mighty nation.” (v. 22a)