In 1918 at the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month the agreement to end the First World War was assured. This began the process of working out a peaceful future following the loss of millions of lives and devastation to much of Europe; Armistice Day. At the time there was a great sense of relief and hope as ‘the War to end all wars’ ended. It would have been unimaginable to people then that within a generation another world war would break out.
Since the latter half of the 20th century many have enjoyed the freedom and peace won in both world wars, and I count myself fortunate to be part of the generation that has grown up relatively untroubled by global conflicts.
However, wars in our world are never far away and news every day reminds us of ongoing conflicts around the world. There’s no doubt that the propensity for conflict and the descent into violence and bloodshed has yet to be properly resolved.
What part can we play in this ongoing process of working towards peace?
Perhaps we can take a stand, a peaceful protest wherever injustices prevail. We can choose to object to the wrongs in this world by lobbying for change and by our acts of compassion that demonstrate the more winning power of love over hate.
Importantly, we can continue to pray. Not giving up hope that God who hears our prayers will enable right action that opens the door to change. Prayer that aligns our hearts with the heart of God, broken over the world’s traumas, yet never defeated in the endeavours to see good come to all – redemption.
As we remember the impact of wars past and present, we commit ourselves to being peacemakers in our times.
Ever-living God,
may your gift of peace calm our hearts
and bring liberty to all people.
Grant humanity the desire to ‘beat swords into ploughshares’
and establish harmony among the nations. Amen.
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