A BLESSING FOR PEACE

[buddyhu]

While we can quibble about whether the ideas expressed in this piece are realistic, whether they are expressed in a balanced way, etc., etc., I am hoping that we can just read this and resonate to its expression of the deep longings for peace that we all share.

A BLESSING FOR PEACE

As the fever of the day calms toward twilight
May all that is strained in us come to ease.

We pray for all who suffered violence today,
May an unexpected serenity surprise them.

For those who risk their lives
each day for peace,
May their hearts glimpse providence
at the heart of history.

That those who make riches
from violence and war
Might hear in their dreams
the cries of the lost.

That we might see through
our fear of each other
A new vision to heal
our fatal attraction to aggression.

That those who enjoy
the privilege of peace
Might not forget their
tormented brothers and sisters
That the wolf might lie down
With the lamb,
That our swords be beaten
Into plowshares

And no hurt or harm be done
Anywhere along the holy mountain.

-John O'Donohue

[jpd]

That we might see through
our fear of each other
A new vision to heal...

[Nyghthawk]

Amen. All blessings are hopeful. That is their nature. Beautifully written.

[buddyhu]

Only somewhat related: my wife and I have been watching Ken Burns's "Vietnam War" on PBS. Very powerful. And it presents a wide range of perspectives and opinions. I have found it difficult to watch, and also valuable to watch. It is easy to trace elements of today's divisiveness to that disillusioning time.