Peaceable neighbours – 20 August 2021

Two houses sit on top of tall cliffs, there is a gorge between them. Each side of the gorge is similar, as are the houses, yet the distance between seems significant. Do they now have anything in common? The houses are connected by a rope, which is being used peacefully by the inhabitants of the houses. To hang clothes to dry in the centre, the rope must be pulled first one way then the other, so some coordination of effort might be needed. The rope then forms a simple bridge, a connection. This is the beginning of the journey to peace.

This picture is by Tigran Abajyan, who was 12 years old when he won first prise for this at the UN House in Armenia. It was part of an exhibition celebrating 70 years of the United Nations. Tigran’s visual message on imagines a peaceful neighbourhood. He said: “There are no gaps and boundaries, in case people want to live in peace”.

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace for those who make peace.

James 3:17-18

Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.

2 Corinthians 13:11

Creator God,
in love you have fashioned the human family
in a variety of races, languages, and cultures.
Do not let our diversity divide us,
but help us to welcome gifts
we can give and receive from one another.
Save us from prejudice, arrogance and fear,
and teach us how to live together
as members of one family,
sharing one home,
and the children of one God. Amen.

Faithward, Prayers for Peace and Reconciliation