by Rev. Sir Knight Donald C. Kerr
This is the season of peace which is our eternal quest. It is what we want. It is what we pray for, but it eludes us. In the dark days of WW II, the commander of the British forces, Field Marshall Montgomery, said, "The greatest single factor in the world is strength; religious strength, moral strength, economic strength, military strength. It is strength that makes for peace."
This holiday season speaks primarily of peace. So what is it that we are all talking about? Is peace the prize of all virtues? Is it only the absence of war? Is it something given after everyone has what they want? If we escape the turmoil of terrorism, will life be more peaceful?
My philosophy comes from the Bible, which says that peace is a by-product of righteousness. In other words, something else must first come before peace. There is peace where there is harmony. There is peace where there is justice. There is peace where there is honesty, truth, equity, and respect.
It would be foolish to think that there can be peace if people prove to be untrustworthy and pertinacious. It is right that we should pray for peace, but it is a delusion to believe that peace will come when humanity does not take the necessary steps to straighten itself out. "Love thy neighbor as thyself" are words of Biblical wisdom. If we cannot be at peace with ourselves, we cannot be at peace with one another.
To those of a Christian mind, Christ is the Prince of Peace. To those of a Jewish culture, peace is inherent in all that the prophets proclaim. "For a child is born for us, a Son is given ...Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Therefore, "Depart from evil and do good. Seek peace and pursue it."
Seasons Greetings To All!
The Reverend Sir Knight Donald C. Kerr, a member of Beauseant Commandery No. 8, Baltimore, MD, is Pastor-emeritus of the Roland Park Presbyterian Church in Baltimore. He resides at 700 John Ringling Boulevard, Apt. E202, Sarasota, FL 34236-1586