Thursday 14 February 2008

Today's note from Thomas Merton is one we would do well to consider as we go about our warring ways as individuals and countries in today's world.

...non-violence implies a kind of bravery far different from violence. In the use of force, one simplifies the situation by assuming that the evil to be overcome is clear-cut, definite, and irreversible. Hence there remains but one thing: to eliminate it. Any dialogue with the sinner, any question of the irreversibility of his act, only means faltering and failure. Failure to eliminate evil is itself defeat. Anything that even remotely risks such defeat is in itself capitulation to evil. The irreversibility of evil then reaches out to contaminate even the tolerant thought of the hesistant crusader who, momentarily, doubts the total evil of the enemy he is about to eliminate.

I find this a chilling piece to read. It is chilling because I can see myself in all this. How easy it is to want a world in which we can simply eliminate that which is not like me or that which makes me look at myself and the rest of the world with new eyes. There is still that miracle called dialogue that gives us the breathing space to have our eyes opened and our hearts moved to new vision for life. But if we are not able or willing to enter the dialogue, all we can expect in our lives is warfare and destruction, misunderstanding and division. It is also quite odd that the mere act of attempting to enter into dialogue or to simply give time to listen to those who are "other" often is seen as lowering our standards, or lowering our guard, or even, taking the side of "them." It is as though there can be no fluid place in which to live our lives. It is either here or there...our side or their side. Sad...tragic.

Connection: Though it is so hard to be open and vulnerable and listen and hope for more, that is what we can do.

Peacemaker and Lord of Love, you bring us into the creative possibilities of this day so that when we are anxious and longing for war, you remind us of your Reign of peace and non-violence. Grant us the wisdom to walk with you. Amen.