1 Cor 6:1-11 / Lk 6:12-19
Have you ever noticed how some people always seem ready for a fight or an argument? The issue seems to make no difference; it’s the fight that counts. Some might say that our whole culture is moving rapidly in the same direction, with litigation the first thought that comes to mind when there’s an accident or a mistake is made. In part it’s the desire to come upon some easy money, but even more it’s the need to blame and punish someone for life’s tragedies, large and small.
How far that frame of mind is from the vision of peace that Jesus consistently offers and urges upon us. The kind of peace that Jesus offers does not come from a submerging of differences, pretending that they aren’t there, but from a respectful resolution of them. Jesus’ kind of peace starts from the inside with a profound conviction of the value and dignity of the people around us and of their right to our respect, even in the midst of hearty disagreement.
Creating and maintaining that kind of peace is the work of a lifetime. But what better time to begin? Make peacemaking your prime profession!
