Notice During the Covid-19 Outbreak
In solidarity, we at the Interfaith Peace Project stand together in these times of heart break and upset. Some of you may have lost friends or family members. Some of you may have lost your job and your income; some may be working overtime to help with the crisis. Some of you may be home and alone and some may be trying to figure out a new way to live. Please let us know how we can help. If you would like a phone appointment with any of us, give us a call.You may call or email Tom at:
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September 19, 2020
Dear Friends,
In honor and celebration of The International Day of Peace, Thomas P. Bonacci, C.P., is sharing a daily reflection from various sources from September 11 to September 21, 2020. Today is Day 9 of those reflections. If you missed some of the reflections, you can find them on our website (under Blogs), interfaithpeaceproject.org.
“The International Day of Peace was established in 1981 by the United Nations General Assembly. Two decades later, in 2001, the General Assembly unanimously voted to designate the Day as a period of non-violence and cease-fire. The United Nations invites all nations and people to honour a cessation of hostilities during the Day, and to otherwise commemorate the Day through education and public awareness on issues related to peace.”
For more information on the day click here or go to: https://www.un.org/en/
The Interfaith Peace Project
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BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS
Eleven Days of Peace: Day 9
Eleven Days of Peace: Day 9
Celebrating The International Day of Peace
A Soldier’s Prayer
Dear Lord, I’m just a soldier
A protector of our land,
A servant called to battle
When my country takes a stand.
I pray for strength and courage
And a heart that will forgive.
For peace and understanding
In a world for all to live.
My family’s prayers are with me,
No matter where I roam.
Please listen when I’m lonely
And return me safely home.
Peace is a gift, blessing the hearts of all people. Peace dwells in the deep recesses of our hearts manifesting itself in various and diverse ways.
Those dedicated to the eradication of war and all armed conflict seek the gift of peace in each and every person. Many in the peace movement come from serving in the military knowing first hand the ravages of war and state violence.
It is often those in the military who plea with governmental leaders to seek justice through diplomacy and compromise. They know how important it is to control the urge to attack. Their sense of discipline invites them and us to restrain our impulse to violence.
As The International Day of Peace dawns upon us, we pause to remember those peacemakers and soldiers who gave of their lives in the defense of those burdened with injustice, hatred, and scorn. These soldiers were not “losers” but self-givers. May the peace they died for be the peace we serve, respect, honor, and share.
RESPONSE
I will visit, if I can, a cemetery close by honoring those who died to make the World a more peaceful place. I can, at least, remember them in my heart wherever I am.
I will apologize to them for those who judged them to be “losers.”
I will remember no one has ever wasted their life in the pursuit of serving others.
I will ponder the example of all those who live and die for the well-being and safety of others.
I will dedicate myself anew to the pursuit of peace in all the affairs of my life.
Off