The Christian, peacemaker

​Thursday September 21, 2023

Theme: “The Christian, peacemaker” Text: Genesis 13:8-9

8. Abram said to Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, neither between my shepherds and thy shepherds; because we are brothers. 9. Is not the whole land before you? Separate yourself therefore from me: if you go to the left, I will go to the right; if you go right, I will go left.

Let's remember:

The contingencies of life push us to make decisions which can be difficult but very saving and peaceful. Sometimes we are faced with a dilemma that prevents us from sleeping. Conflicts can come from those around us and pollute the peace that has reigned for decades. All the mechanisms for resolving such situations can be used without convincing results. And there, the only thing left for us to ensure that peace is preserved and that relations do not deteriorate further is the separation of paths and common goods. Here too, you have to be patient and ensure good dispatch of these goods. Never seek to gain ascendancy over your neighbor; it is preferable to leave it to him to choose the part that falls to him so that he goes in peace; without him following up with words of regret. Separation is an inducement to peace; but it is a separation of paths, of goods. To be at peace, it can happen that each person goes far from the other but it is necessary to go there without debt, without usurping the common good or the property of others. In this case, we must assume the responsibility of leaving without conflict and without seeking to destroy what had been built together. We can make the decision to leave something to another so that they can enjoy it, especially when it cannot be shared to avoid losing it. Separate here takes the meaning of ceasing or causing a collaboration to cease; stop being together, stop sharing the same premises. Separating here should not take the meaning of becoming enemies but that of “detaching oneself, disjoining, dissociating or even isolating oneself”. This is what must happen to the Christian living in sin; he must separate himself from this life in order to be at peace. Happy Thursday, International Day of Peace. Amen Alain Louz.-