Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently gave a rousing speech to the United States Congress which got a standing ovation.
I got so caught up in his message that I almost jumped up myself to implore Congress to authorize all the weapons the Ukrainians want, the more lethal the better!
After all, the Russians started this war and carry it forward with horrific death and destruction.
It was only after I had calmed down a little that I heard a voice within whisper,
“He wants weapons to make war. Didn’t our Lord say, ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God?’ (Matthew 5:9).
But didn’t he also declare, ‘Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword’ (Matthew 10:34).”
My internal debate went on for some time.
Let Peace Begin with Me
Then words of a familiar song came back. I had sung it as a child to please my sweet old great-aunt for one of her church programs. I’m sure you’ve heard it: “Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.”
Let peace begin with me.
But how is this possible?
By being at peace with myself, by being the peacemaker in my family, in my neighborhood, my school, my work, my political party. Let me be the one who comes up with quieting words, with compromise, with forgiveness, with prayer to the Prince of Peace.
Even in war, there are peacemakers, those on the battlefield who risk their lives for others: first responders, ambulance drivers, medics, providers of food and water, those who care for orphans and the elderly, and those whose prayers include the enemy.
May we all experience the peace Jesus promised during his last hours on earth: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid “(John 14:27).
