July 21, 2025

Dear Friends,

The Interfaith Peace Project continues its ongoing observance of International Women’s Day (March 8) and the International Day of Peace (September 21) by sending out reflections on the eighth and twenty-first of every month. On March 8, Fr. Tom started a 10 part series on the Beloved Community. You will receive a section of the series on the 8th and 21st of each month through July 21, 2025. If you miss a part of the series, you can find it on our blog at interfaithpeaceproject.org. If you have anything that you would like to share, please contact:

Thomas P. Bonacci, C.P.
[email protected]
925-787-9279

stock.adobe.com 604560504 Kevin

THE BELOVED COMMUNITY
“THE BELOVED“
A Reflection by
Patricia Black
Thomas P. Bonacci, C.P.

There is convincing evidence that people will seek to live in a manner consistent with how they have been treated. Loving parents raise loving children who, in turn, love their children. There is, of course, no assurance of the outcome, but at least the example has been set and the seeds planted. The old adage, “The apple does not fall far from the tree,” rings true.   

We know from the testimony of those who are recovering from membership in violent gangs and groups, that past and present experiences of love, compassion, and respect are powerful elements of their recovery and peace of mind.

The word “Beloved” in Beloved Community opens a door to consider what the implications of love might mean in a world torn apart by violence, intolerance, and hatred. The word “Beloved” implies the community not only loves but is already loved. The question is, who loves the Beloved Community?

The Beloved Community is emerging all over the world in people who work in peaceful ways for what is just, right, good, true, and beautiful. They are people dedicated to loving even those who might hate or hurt them. They have disarmed their hearts, transcending any temptation to harm or disrespect others. They refuse to retaliate, take revenge, or mistreat. Theirs is the Golden Rule, treat others as you would have them treat you. Yet, there is more.

The “Beloved” in the Beloved Community are people who have been inspired, uplifted, and transformed. They perceive something or someone greater than themselves loves them. They love others as they have been loved themselves.

The “Beloved” are those who testify to the love that fashions the Universe. Some experience a “Cosmic Love” revealed in the beauty and mystery of the night sky, the rising sun, the birds that fly, and the expanse of the mountains. Some have experienced the goodness of their parents, friends, or loved ones. Others speak to the divine love they sense in their heart that touches their lives with grace and graciousness. Others, many others, simply confess they are loved by God. 

This love is a self-giving love. The “Beloved” are empowered by the love they experience and so cannot help but seek to share their love for others freely, joyfully, and completely. The “Beloved” see the world as wonderful and full of potential. They share freely what they have graciously received. Fully aware of the dangers of disarming themselves, the “Beloved” love others in ways that invite the world to be a better place where justice might flow like a mighty river, where care for one another is the ordinary way to live, where forgiveness is what truly sets us free. 

Blessings to you, Beloved in the Beloved Community, for sharing the love that blessed you with the world.