I have said this to you, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world!’

John 16:33 (NRSV)

Neighbors for Peace Vigil on Saturday, January 8th at 4pm

Why bother, right? 

But seriously, if you’re not praying and planning for peace, you’re allowing the forces that would wage war on us to rule the day. 

Look around you: everywhere there are reminders of conflict and struggle. We erect statues to commemorate those who lost their lives in valiant, noble, and often bloody conflicts. Each year, we celebrate our victories over others. We struggle with even minor moments of humility in our culture, but it’s precisely what we need most these days. 

Come Together

The pandemic is a large enough foe. We don’t need to be constantly reminded of all the ways we differ on issues and policies. What we need, now as much as ever, is to celebrate the possibility of our togetherness. 

The annual Southborough Neighbors for Peace Vigil is a chance to come together to celebrate just that: the peace that comes from understanding. As the short verse above from the Gospel of John reminds us, we know that peace is not the absence of persecution or conflict. Peace is what comes when we seek to understand those who don’t look or sound like we do. And Peace is what comes when we recognize those differences are not threats: they’re assets! 

Is Peace Your Thing? Come on down!

This year, I’ve been asked to bring a short address at the vigil, and I’m grateful for the opportunity. Others will be speaking too, and that will make the time even better. And then we’ll light candles and we’ll sing, proclaiming that peace is still worth our time. If you’ve got a heart for understanding, and a heart for peace, I urge you to join us at St. Mark’s field Saturday at 4 pm. Coming together across boundaries of ethnicity, class, or religious differences reminds us why we are so blessed to live here. 

I hope you’ll join us!