Called the war to end all wars, people had such hope when its carnage was over. But anger and resentment between countries, fueled by leaders thinking only of their own power, made that hope an illusion. Those who died are no longer memories but are now part of history, their lives and struggles coming to us by stories in history books.
The young lived lives of hope, not yet caught in the cynicism that comes with age. How can we live in hope that the terrible conflicts that kill so many on this earth may end? How do we put aside our despair at the constant warfare we see around us?
There certainly are no facile answers, nor are there easy solutions. However, even in this age it is still possible to live with the hope that many conflicts can be addressed by negotiation. True believers and those with a lust for power are the major stumbling blocks. Although the road is difficult, as Christians we are called to work for peaceful solutions to conflict, even when it seems impossible.
Prayer for the Day
You have made us in your own image and redeemed us, O Lord,
Through the love that even death cannot conquer;
Look with compassion upon the whole human family
And remove the arrogance that power and wealth often bring.
Break down the walls that separate us and unite us in bonds of love,
Allowing us to work for the resolution of conflict.
In the name of him who came to show us the way,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
You smug-faced crowds with kindling eye/Who cheer when soldier lads march by,
Sneak home and pray you'll never know/The hell where youth and laughter go.
Siegfried Sassoon, from Suicide in the Trenches (1886-1967)
You can no more win a war than you can win an earthquake.
Jeanette Rankin, first woman elected to Congress (1880-1973)
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God.
Jesus of Nazaeth (Matt. 5:9)