MONDAY’S MONK: MERTON ON PEACE

February 20th, 2006 · Posted in Monday's Monk · 0 Comments

Here’s another  quote from Thomas Merton

Peace demands the most heroic labor and the most
difficult sacrifice. It demands greater heroism than war. It demands
greater fidelity to the truth and a much more perfect purity of
conscience.

I can attest to this myself.  It is much harder for me to be peaceful — or react to situations with love and grace — than it is for me to react  with anger and rage.  But  I know  that Christ calls me to work for peace.  To stand for peace when others are yelling for war — to work for peace when others are working for conflict — to be peace – filled when others are attacking you — that takes true commitment — and even true heroism.

Instead of following my natural inclinations, I need to follow the one who said:

38“You have
heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’
39But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you
on the right cheek, turn the other also;
40and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as
well;
41and if anyone
forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile (Matthew 5:38-41)

Until next time – Shalom!  Bill

 

  

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