If we could just get everyone to close their eyes and visualize world peace for an hour, imagine how serene and quiet it would be until the looting started. Internet
Long ago a man announced a contest to produce the perfect picture of peace. Artists from everywhere took part. On the day of revelation judges uncovered one peaceful scene after another, until two pictures remained. The first revealed a mirror-smooth lake reflecting lacy, green birches under the soft blush of the evening sky. Along the grassy shore a herd of sheep grazed undisturbed. Was this the winner?
The crowd gasped at the final painting. A tumultuous waterfall cascaded down a rocky precipice. Stormy clouds threatened to explode with lightning, wind and rain. In the midst of the thundering noises and bitter chill, a spindly tree clung to the rocks at the edge of the falls. One of its branches reached out in front of the torrential waters as if foolishly seeking to experience its full power.
A little bird had built a nest in the elbow of that branch. Content and undisturbed in her stormy surroundings, she rested on her eggs. With her eyes closed and her wings ready to cover her little ones.(from Berit Kjos, A Wardrobe from the King)
Now what was it Jesus said about the birds of the air and trust? Probably our biggest anxiety is facing death and the pain that will accompany it. Even there, peace comes from putting our trust in the Lord. Let me share a true story showing how this is possible.
As Father Tony Williams lay dying of cancer he related this experience to his Father Superior. As he tried to pray Tony gazed at the crucified Christ. Suddenly, "I felt myself drawn into the picture and I found myself on Calvaryat the moment when Jesus was being crucified. Imagine my shock when one of the soldiers' faces was mine. And I asked the Lord, 'Have I been that terrible? Is it possible that my sins are crucifying you?' And Christ turned to me and said, 'Tony, whatever they are, your sins are forgiven. My peace I give to you.'"
Then Tony said, "The face, my face, on that soldier disappeared, and I kind of came out of it. And ever since I have found that enormous peace, that peace that is in the gospel, that Jesus spoke of.
Tony's final wish: "My wish for you is the peace I have received from knowing that Jesus not only died for my sins, but that he loves me with such an incredible love." Family members and visitors sensed that peace in the presence of Tony until he died with a big smile on his face.
When we face death and suffering we need the peace that the crucified Christ gives us.
Dear God, Please send to me the spirit of Your peace. Then send, dear Lord, the spirit of peace from me to all the world. Amen. Marianne Williamson
Peace begins with a smile. Mother Teresa
