God as non-violence. If you have any comments - adebelak@redeemerluth.com [mailto:adebelak@redeemerluth.com]I was just taken back a bit. I picked up a book on Gandhi to look at his take on
non-violence. This image is odd and yet it turns the world upside down. "The sword
of the one who adheres to non-violence is love, and the unshakable firmness that
comes with it." The use of the word sword within the context of talking about non-violence
is - for me - shocking. And yet, Yes! Non-violence shatters the images of violence
that so easily become a part of our lives. Sword is often the seen as the power
over others. Non-violence is the power that brings the other in close and abides
with the other in a world of truthfulness and peace. So, when the so-called sword
of the non-violent one is brought out, it is the power of reconciliation and devotion
to the other so that we can both be a part of a new day not ruled by swords - rather
nurtured by plowshares. God as non-violence is always stripping us down to our essentials
- being beloved of God - and inviting us to stand on nothing else and to see the
other as nothing less than that also. It is there that we have the opportunity
to acknowledge all of our vulnerabilities and begin to walk together without feeling
the need to conquer the other.
I'm hesitant to even say that we have this sword - it immediately brings images
of violence. But Gandhi is so known for his devotion to non-violence, it makes the
statement powerfully humorous.
O God of love and new life, arm us with the life of peace and the vision to see
the hopefulness of your Reign being unveiled before us. Amen.
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