We all admire those who can maintain inner peace while surrounded by violent conflict.
And the converse can also hold: outward peace can conceal hidden violence. We find this expressed in the writings of Emanuel Swedenborg:
Almost everyone believes peace to be security from enemies, and also tranquility at home and among companions. Such peace is not heavenly peace, which immeasurably transcends it. Heavenly peace can be bestowed on no one unless someone who is led by the Lord and is in the Lord, that is, in heaven where the Lord is all in all. [Secrets of Heaven. n. 5662]
Superficial peace is not necessarily accompanied by a deep inner or heavenly peace.
And as we continue to study the Magnificat, we hear Mary prophesying an equitable society:
He has shown strength with his arm;
he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.
He has brought down the powerful from their thrones,
and lifted up the lowly; [Luke 1:51-52]
These two thoughts can be brought together. At a personal level, outward calm can mask violence of thought and feeling. And at a societal level, violence occurs whenever God’s people suffer exploitation and repression — this whether or not tranquility reigns in the streets.
Join us this Sunday as we commit to doing the work of peace, personal and societal, outer and inner.
Sunday Rhythm
3pm Work Together
4pm Worship
5pm Eat together grab and go style format
All Are Welcome
Come as you are, stay as you are able.
Deep peace,
Rev. Jonathan