April 14, 2003
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From the Editors
As You Page
through this week's Sentinel, you'll see it has a little different look to it.
With the war in Iraq
intensifying and global tensions increasing as we prepared this issue, our staff recognized the need for a heightened state of prayer.
In
praying for world peace, I find myself frequently turning to these words of Jesus in his Sermon on the Mount: "Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you".
No matter how world or personal events have stirred and shaped my views, I will pray to You, O God, the source of all good, who blesses all humanity.
When
evil feels big and dominant, it's sometimes hard to know how to begin praying.
In
1983, I was a new reader of the Bible and Science and Health, studying international relations and Latin American history in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Two
years ago I attended a luncheon at a World Council of Churches meeting held in Nashville, Tennessee.
The
shrieking winds and gray, foreboding skies painted a vivid and accurate picture of my inner mental turmoil that stormy winter day.
One
of the requirements of members of The First Church of Christ, Scientist, given in the Church Manual reads in part: "It shall be the duty of every member of this Church to defend himself daily against aggressive mental suggestion.
I
need to talk with you and share what's giving me some peace after the anguish that has been shadowing these past weeks.
Is
it so hard to love someone who hates and rejects you because you are different?
In
recent weeks, it has been difficult not to take sides on war and peace.
Infinite
One, may we lay down our swords, pick up Your Word, and learn of a better way to fight.
How
do you cope with the tragic news of death caused by war?
The
day following the tragedy of a high-school shooting near my home in southern California, many from the community and beyond gathered at a community church that had graciously opened its doors as a crisis center.
Anger
is often taken lightly as an individual character trait.
In
my prayers concerning world conflict, I've been asking three fundamental questions from which helpful insights have been emerging.
"In
God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me".
Beyond the clash and splashOf angry human will,God's holy law demandsA "Peace, still!"
Right
where they live, work, and walk, people are looking for peace.
Certainly a force that can move mountains can also stop wars, arrest hostilities, break through walls of hatred, and bring peace and justice to the world.
