‘From the Vicar’ – Hambledonian April/May 2022
As I write this, the war in Ukraine is in its second week. It is impossible to tell what the situation will be by the time you are reading this. I am sure, however, that we are all hoping for the same outcome – a swift, just, and lasting peace. A wish that applies not only to the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, but to all places in the world where there is war and violence.
For obvious reasons, the idea of peace has been very much on my mind this Lent. We tend to associate this season of the church’s year with giving something up (I have given up chocolate – feel free to ask me how I have been doing with this task!). However, Lent is about something deeper. It is about honest self-examination, repentance for what we have done wrong, and amendment of our lives.
In Matthew’s gospel, Jesus tells us, “When you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift” (Matthew 5.23-24). Perhaps we can all take some inspiration from these words during this Lent. For world peace, however much we wish for it, is probably beyond our power. What is within our grasp is peace with ourselves, and peace with each other. So before the celebrations of Easter, let us all be honest with ourselves. Is there somebody we have fallen out with? Someone against whom we bear a grudge? Perhaps we know, deep down, that we have done wrong to somebody, and that we owe them and apology. Before the end of Lent, maybe we can take our own small steps in making the world a more peaceful place by going and being reconciled with a brother or sister who lives in our village.
Or perhaps the person with whom we most need to make peace is ourselves. Maybe you are still haunted by some past mistake or misjudgement. For whatever reason, you might not think of yourself as worthy or loveable. If so, may you find in your heart the deep peace which comes from the knowledge that you are known, forgiven, and loved by God.
The idea of peace features large in the Easter story. Just before he is arrested, Jesus says to his disciples, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid” (John 14.27); and when he appears to his disciples after his resurrection, his first words to them are, “Peace be with you” (John 20.19). Peace is what Jesus wishes for the world. Peace is what Jesus wishes for each and every one of us.
Whatever happens in Ukraine, we can take some comfort from the fact that there are people all over the world who are working for peace, not only in that nation but in so many other places as well. I know that our village has already joined in with the contributions which we can make to ease the suffering of those displaced by war. We may not be able to change the whole world at once. But we can start with ourselves, our families and friends, our village. That is all God asks of us. Take the opportunity this Lent to make your contribution to peace in our time by making peace with yourself and with those people around you – and then however you celebrate Easter, do so in the knowledge of the good news of God’s peace.
Fr David