This mornings reflection was about non-violence and the work of Pax Christi. The aim of such reflections is, I guess to make us think, listening to the breakfast conversation following this it certainly provided food for thought.
But the reference to the beatitudes was mentioned, blessed be the peace makers. A wonderful book by Elias Chacour ‘We belong to the land’ has a passage about these sayings. In the Aramaic the word ‘blessed’ has an active meaning, rather than the passive nature of the English translation blessed. He would read it Get up, move, go ahead you peacemakers… Far more indicative of the nature of non-violence as it necessarily requires action as apposed to pacifism which is seemingly passive in nature.
Greenbelt over, school looming. Is there much to look forward to save for the usual autumnal festivities? It’s no good thinking that the year...
Highly honoured that my reflection has been deemed worthy of blog!
Non-violence is not necessarily passive, recall the man who stood in front of the tanks at Tianenmen square. But how to be active without resorting to violence in turn?