Shoes of peace
Jo Penn
June 28, 2023
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Ephesians 6:15 (NRSVA)
15 As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace.
How beautiful on the mountains
are the feet of those who bring good news,
who proclaim peace,
who bring good tidings,
who proclaim salvation,
who say to Zion,
“Your God reigns!” (Isaiah 52:7)
One of the first soprano arias I learned to sing was: ‘How beautiful are the feet’ from Handel’s Messiah, based on these words from Isaiah. It has a suitably beautiful and soaring melody to reflect the words celebrating those who are bringing hope by proclaiming to the world that God reigns.
Sometimes the sovereign reign of God is hard to believe when we watch the news and hear of wars, earthquakes, violence, death and destruction. We need such songs of hope to help us go on, reminding us of the truth that God is good, and God loves the world.
One of our former Chaplains here at Scargill House, where I work, was associated with Christian Peacemaker Teams which sends small teams of peacemakers to troubled spots in the world. These visiting teams work with the local population as a nonviolent presence being a witness to what is going on and trying to diffuse tensions. They aim to build long running partnerships to transform violence and oppression.
I don’t see myself ready to stand across the road from a checkpoint in a danger zone, but am thankful for those who feel this is their calling. However, I do find myself in places where I am trying to be a reconciling voice between opposing sides, calming down arguments, being the voice of reason so that a good way forward can be found.
Jesus says in the Beatitudes:
“Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9)
How is God calling you to be a peacemaker today?
PRAYER:
Jesus, Prince of Peace,
When I feel overwhelmed by events in the news headlines
Help me to remember your promises that you will never leave us;
And at the end of time wars will cease, and the present suffering will pass away.
Use me to bring reconciliation and hope
To my family, my community, my workplace.
Amen
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