As I write these words our nation stands poised to go to war with
Iraq. I find myself on a roller coaster of emotions that range from
depressed resignation that war is inevitable to unbounded optimism
sparked by the growing chorus of voices for peaceful resolutions.
Every day I receive e-mail notices from friends and family with
more anti-war petitions to sign and pass along. Daily I listen to
National Public Radio and news of the latest government statements
or human interest stories. The ones that catch my attention most
are those featuring US military personnel saying good-bye to their
families as they are "deployed to the region." My heart
breaks with each story. But then I find myself drawn to another
story, our faith story - the Biblical story of the good news of
Jesus. I remember the teachings of Jesus.
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they
will be called children of God."
"Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you."
"Turn the other cheek…walk the extra mile."
I wonder why at critical moments in history when these teachings
might have the most important impact instead they are so easily
dismissed. Suddenly our faith is nothing but 'pie in the sky' platitudes
and certainly nothing to be taken seriously in the world of international
affairs. And yet we say we follow a Savior who was willing to die
demonstrating these very teachings to the world. I find myself asking
difficult questions. "Is our faith a luxury that we practice
only when it is convenient and comfortable?" "In times
like these are we Christians first, or Americans?"
Recently I saw a news story on one of the morning talk shows. A
panel of respected citizens was offering their opinions against
the proposed war with Iraq. First was a retired high-ranking military
officer who shared how difficult he thought it would be to win this
war. Second, was the Rev. Bob Edgar, General Secretary of the National
Council of Churches who simply said this war does not fit the just
war criteria. And third, was actor Martin Sheen. Sheen said something
like, "We call ourselves a Christian nation so it is time that
we begin to see the face of the non-violent Jesus in the faces of
every man, woman, and child that will be affected by this war."
I sat there amazed at his words. Amazed because I thought, what
happens when we personalize war like Sheen suggests? What happens
when we see the face of Jesus in every soldier, man, woman, or child,
Iraqi or American? War suddenly comes very close. War comes home
and touches our lives and our faith in ways that we cannot ignore.
And it's then that I find the courage to pursue the convictions
of my faith, convictions that call me to challenge my government
to wage this battle without bloodshed and destruction.
One day long ago Jesus stood weeping as he looked out over the
city of Jerusalem and said,
"Would that you knew the things that make
for peace!"
Today he weeps again as his children prepare for war once more.
Is it possible for us to wipe away those tears as we pray and work
for peace today? As we call upon our government leaders to discover
and respond to the real threats that exist between the nations of
the world? May God give us the strength, the courage, and the resources
to discover paths of influence and actions of faith that say 'no!'
to war and 'yes!' to the teaching of Jesus, to the ways of life
and peace.
Bonnie
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