Jesus, Answer Guy

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

When Peace Like a River Attends My Way,
I dance with exuberance.
I frolic with hope.
I sing with emotion.
I hug with abandon.
I shout with joy.
I want it to go on and on.

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

I wish I knew how it would feel to know peace in Iraq.
I wish I knew how it would feel to know peace in Sudan.
I wish I knew how it would feel to know peace in Zimbabwe.
I wish I knew how it would feel to know peace in Congo.
I wish I knew how it would feel to know peace in Washington, DC.
I wish I knew how it would feel to know peace among Americans.
I wish I knew how it would feel to know peace among Christians.
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus, the Answer:

“How would I know the way to San Jose?”

[If He knew, He didn’t tell.]

D. Blog: “IF” Revisited

If you can stand against the crowds who shout for war,
If you can see the other person’s point of view,
If you can appreciate the goodness of a religion other than your own,
If you can bow in wonder at the sight of a sunrise,
If you can take a middle ground between opposing factions,
If you can empathize with victims of violence,
If you can offer shelter to the homeless, a way to obtain bread to the hungry,
If you can work for justice when to do so is inconvenient,
If you can express your opinion with determined yet humble spirit,
Then you will be a Mensch, my child.