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In touch

Up-to-the-minute jumping-off points for sermons, linking the reading to the latest news and global issues

Peace begins in me

God’s peace cannot be forced upon us; we must embrace it with our entire being. (Luke 1:47)

 

Context

Listen to the Center for Action and Contemplation podcasts to learn about transformative practices which make for peace.

Want to join a movement of peace-building?

It’s a sad commentary that an Internet search for “inner peace” leads almost anywhere except to Christian web sites!

 

Ideas for sermons or interactive talks

Micah speaks of peace being brought by the future Messiah, and Luke’s Gospel has Mary offering praise for what God has done—with an implied peace for Israel. Without careful reading, these passages can lead us towards a passivity/complacency that “peace” comes to us from without. However, closer examination of Mary’s and Micah’s words makes clear that, had they not been internally convinced and moved by God’s approach to them, we would never have received their words.

As the lectionary offers meagre substance regarding “peace, actually”, I want to suggest a look at Romans 12:2 wherein the Apostle Paul writes, “Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of the mind, so that you may discern what is the will of God — what is good and acceptable and perfect.” The renewing of the mind of which Paul speaks is metanoia in Greek. Metanoia bespeaks a fundamental change in our point of view — of how we see the world and the people in it. In this world, peace is considered to be the absence of conflict; but this is not the discernment given by God. Until God’s peace reigns within each and every one of us, there will not be a peaceable kingdom anywhere on this earth. Peace really does begin in us.

 

Questions for discussion

When have you felt most at peace — with(in) yourself, with God, with others? What preceded that sense of peace? How can you cultivate a peaceful life?

My wife and I were recently wronged by someone who chose to tell lies about us to many of our friends. We decided to leave it with God and neither seek redress nor revenge …but in my mind there still proliferated myriad ways to seek revenge! Have you been in such a situation? How did you feel? How hard was it to follow the path of peace as opposed to self-justification or revenge? Why does turning the other cheek feel like lifting 500 kilos?

Revd Dr Jack Lawson is a free-lance writer and novelist. For more information visit: www.jacknlawson.com; https://jacknlawson.com/blog; https://wingsepress.com/pages/lawson-jack-n

 

 

Check-in

Connecting faith with everyday, real-life issues for young people

School is breaking up and shops are full of tinsel and ‘Santa stop here’ signs. The news is full of stories about inflation (going up) and winter fuel benefits (which have been stopped) making peace feel a long way away for many people. Christmas is a great time for families coming together but that also makes it a great time for arguments as the stress of getting things done hits the multiplier of people’s expectations.

Mary’s situation was full of potential stress - how would Joseph react? What would her parents do? What was everyone in the neighbourhood going to say? Her response was to find someone she trusted and to visit them - finding some space and peace to process what was happening.

Sometimes we are in Mary’s position, dealing with changes that weren’t of our choosing and looking for some time and space to think things through. Sometimes we can be an Elizabeth, seeing someone looking to us for encouragement and hope.

Whichever of these resonates for you, it’s worth thinking about how and when you can access God’s peace - and who you can look to for encouragement in the hectic days of Christmas. Look at what is under your control, what you can change, and then let as much of the rest go past without needing to react to it. As Mary did, recognise that God is in control and trust that he is with you in everything that you and your friends are facing.

Steve Taylor shares the job of joint-vicar of St Paul’s CofE Church, Harrow with his wife, Ali. They share their home with their youngest child, two cats and numerous fish.

 

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