The Handshake

Many eyes will be watching as the Queen shakes hands with Northern Ireland Deputy First Minister and former IRA commander Martin McGuinness. 

Many will also pass comment on the significance of this one handshake, and all that has led up to this. 

Peace is better than pain, forgiveness that hatred, and much else which already been said.

As people reflect on how much has changed in Northern Ireland, it may bring encouragement to other peace-makers in the world's troubled conflict zones. 

As we know, Jesus encouraged his followers to work towards peace. '  God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy.  God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.  God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. ' (Matthew 5.7-9)

It is striking, from the order of these verses, that before we can be work for peace, we need to be people who are merciful, with pure hearts, rather than vindictive and vengeful, looking for pay-back on our enemies. Once we have been 'sorted out', internally, then we can bring healing and hope to the wreckages we encounter around us.

St. Paul makes just the same point. 

When writing to his friends in a very troubled city, Rome, where there was inter-communal violence on a regular basis, he said, 'Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honourable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.' (Romans 12.17-18)

In her Christmas message, the Queen said, 'God sent into the world a unique person - neither a philosopher nor a general, important though they are - but a Saviour, with the power to forgive. Forgiveness lies at the heart of the Christian faith. It can heal broken families, it can restore friendships and it can reconcile divided communities. It is forgiveness that we feel the power of God's love.' 

Today, the Queen puts her own words into action.

Whose hand will we shake today?

Best wishes,

Richard