Editorial June 5, 1989 Issue

Guest editorial

"There is no way to peace—peace is the way"

Myrtle Smyth

My youngest son has been a member of the "Peace People" in Northern Ireland since he was only thirteen years old. Twelve years later he is still a dedicated worker, trying hard to help bring peace to a divided community. There are many groups like this, not only in our country but throughout the world. There is no doubt that we should admire them and support their sincere efforts. But is this enough?

The desire to bring peace is universal and near to the hearts of all people; indeed this very desire and longing for peace unite us all—human beings everywhere long for peace. Each person reading this article may think that he or she is longing for healing, a home, a sense of direction or purpose in life, employment, money to pay the bills, or even a clear answer to a question or a relationship problem. Perhaps there is a desire to get away from a world that seems filled with disease, disaster, loneliness, hatred, and terrorism. But isn't our need not to get away to some lovely desert island or to live in the countryside to find this peace, but to discover for ourselves more of what peace really is?

Suppose, for example, we believe that peace will come only when we enter a pact or agreement to end hostilities, or when we get some money, a quiet home, a good, secure job. If so, then we believe that peace comes because of a change in circumstances. By the very same token, aren't we believing that peace could be lost if these circumstances change again? This cannot be the peace we're really longing for if it is founded on something that can change at any moment.

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