More than an absence . . .
Post date: Aug 03, 2014 6:8:20 AM
I have long since thought about health meaning more than absence of illness. Peace being more than absence of war resonates.
Tomorrow at midday there will be artillery fire at Parliament to commemorate WW1. At 6pm there will be a peace vigil at the war memorial. I think I need to be at the latter - usually I avoid public demonstrations due to public position but with the Gaza situation I think people need to stand and be counted. That includes me . . .
Better to light a candle than curse the darkness
We heard the words of Allan Boesak " in the Bible peace and justice are never separated. Peace is never simply the absence of war it is the active presence of justice. It has to do with human fulfilment, with liberation, with whole ness, with a meaningful life and wellbeing, not just for the individual but for the community.
Apparently there was an interview with the head of NZ armed forces about WW1 centenary events. He remarkably spoke about remembering the horrors of war - the deaths of millions, the disruptions of community. It should involve more than speaking about acts of bravery from trained killers ( the last part was Sandra not Lt Col whoever)
Today our thoughts were very much on war . . .sounds strange but a combination of Peace Sunday ( Sunday closest to 6 Aug) and this week a number of events marking the centenary of the start of WW1.
August 6 marks the day atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima and the date is commemorated around the world. While it is often noted by the origami cranes which can feel trite I think the actual message us much deeper. Adrian and Maria can talk much more eloquently about Hiroshima and the impact of war. I remain humbled that you guys went there.