Is it possible that the United States looks like Pakistan? Last week, in Pakistan, the liberal minded Governor of Punjab was gunned down by one of his bodyguards. On Saturday, in Arizona, six people were shot dead and a congresswoman seriously injured.
In both cases, a disagreement of political opinion was at the root of the killer's actions. These events have caused many to reflect on both the causes of such deadly responses and how it might be possible to move to a different style of politics and a changed way of dealing with one another.
At the same time, after 20 years of civil war, the people of Southern Sudan are moving slowly and painfully towards the possibility of setting up a new state, in which the 'Christian' majority south separates from the 'Muslim' majority north. There has been terrible suffering on this long road, but there has also been patient negotiation by many, to get to this place.
Jesus famously gave us models of working with those with whom we disagree. As he was facing his own arrest, trial and execution, Jesus said to the ever-enthusiastic Simon Peter, '“Put away your sword,” Jesus told him. “Those who use the sword will die by the sword." (Matthew 26.52)
To the crowd of would-be disciples, Jesus said, 'God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.' (Matthew 5.9)
Today, all of us will face situations where we will disagree with people around us. How we handle those differences may be more important that what the issues are. Learning to deal with conflict creatively and positively is what will mark us out as different. In place of violence and destruction, we may be able to bring wholeness and deep peace. Wouldn't that be wonderful!
Best wishes,
Richard
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