Peace and Justice
Following is the blessing which closes each Sunday worship service at Saint Mark’s. Perhaps it is best to let it speak for itself:
“Go forth into the world in peace. Be of good courage. Hold fast that which is good. Render to no one evil for evil. Strengthen the fainthearted. Support the weak. Comfort the afflicted. Show love to everyone but make no peace with oppression. Love and serve all that is holy. And may the blessing of God, the Source of all being, the Incarnate Word, and Ever-present Spirit be among you and remain with you forever. Amen.”
The part of that blessing, we believe, that gives us our commission as we leave the church building and return to our communities, country and world are “Show love to everyone but make no peace with oppression.” They are words that seem benign but in reality come with commitment and the risk of conflict. We must not shy away from that if and when we perceive that circumstances might appear to put some of our cherished opinions in conflict with the teaching of Jesus.
It is here that we may sometimes find ourselves struggling over the meaning of the political concepts relating to church and state. We do not ever, for instance, advocate for any politician or political party. But we must always, and constantly, search our hearts and minds for allegiance to that often-used and sometimes over-simplified question: What would Jesus do?
Peace Flag
Saint Mark’s is an enthusiastic distribution partner for the Peace Flag Movement. The Movement, which started in Natick, Massachusetts, in 2016, has sent over thirty thousand flags to individuals, organizations, …