On May 1 at 5:00 pm some folks will gather. It could be a large group. Might be small. I’m hoping that you will join me in participating in the Macomb Area Christian Ministers’ Association 3rd Annual Peace Walk. (This is also the National Day of Prayer.) The Walk begins in the space between the Wesley and Catholic student centers on University Drive and will end at Chandler Park.  

Why walk for peace? Why join other Christians in sharing peace with our community? Why peace? Well, if you have ever received an note from me or been to my office, you know that peace is important to me. I also think peace was important to Jesus. In the gospel of Matthew as Jesus is being arrested, one of his followers uses a sword. Jesus says to put it down, that those who live by the sword, die by the sword. In the gospel of John as he is saying farewell to his disciples before his arrest, Jesus says “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you.” Peace seems important to Jesus.

If peace is important to Jesus, shouldn’t peace be important to his followers? To us?

One of my heroes is Martin Luther King, Jr. He was a follower of Jesus and because of his faith, he created a movement of non-violence to end racism and poverty especially on behalf of black people. He wrote:  “Peace is not merely a distant goal that we seek, but a means by which we arrive at that goal.”  “Those who love peace must learn to organize as effectively as those who love war.” “Returning violence for violence multiplies violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars... Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.”

I wish that the work that King did ended the need for marches and walks. That the peace of Christ had completely taken hold. That people loved each other fully. That our differences ceased to separate us from each other. 

One might’ve thought that the work of Jesus should have brought such everlasting peace. But since it did not, it us up to us, his followers to continue to strive for peace. To end war. To feed all hungry. To provide drink to all who thirst. To love. Everyone. To love. Only.

But, we must commit to this peace of Jesus.  MLK, Jr. has also said: “Be The Peace You Wish To See In The World!” May it be so.

Peace,

Kelly