After incubating the concept of a word for a few days and arriving at a definitive direction in which to take a word, I'm usually able to communicate my ponderings. Without changing the word, "peace" for this blog post this week, I have had a change of mind. Other considerations have altered my initial approach because of events unforeseen recently.
I wanted and had intended to discuss the implications on the modern world of the well-known phrase from the Bible (Luke 2:10-14) concerning the angels' message of "Good news of great joy..." The belief that with the birth of a baby named Jesus, who is celebrated this Season by many, has an interesting proclamation that accompanied this event...a proclamation of peace and good will.
I wanted to explore the possibility when interpreting the original Greek text (which I'm able to do on a basic level) the common phrase in the Christmas tiding, "...on earth peace, good will among men" could be seen and comprehended differently based on a single letter in the Greek language!
I wanted to then explain how a single change in a disputed letter could move a word from being nominative (case indicating subject/verb) into a genitive (case indicating possession)...and then paralleling that with how a single gesture of peace can make a difference as well. I would have concentrated on the variation of meaning and if it was really that important compared with the rest of the angelic message and the overall principle of peace.
Ok, you get my drift. But then...this week happened and I had to struggle with my own view of peace. I thought while going through this personal disharmony, how could I even begin to write a blog about PEACE?
There are times in our lives when others are in constant turmoil. Circumstances arise that are often rooted in protecting a nest of well-being by striking a match to its twigs to keep the nest from exposing insecurities and self-doubt which are found inside. Instead of making peace and having good will toward others, they find satisfaction in fighting and picking battles hoping for an ineffectual reinforcement of an embattled and unhappy "self". This conflict destroys all semblance of serenity and accord within an environment.
The word, peace, comes from Middle English and from the Latin derivative, 'pac.' Which is related to the word, 'pact'--We understand this word to mean a tranquil agreement for mutual good will. To be in harmony with another is being reconciled with another. Peace and good will cannot be separated from 'right' living.' It is active and deliberate. You can't have one without the other.
It would be a sincere hope that there could be a cessation of strife and dissension in our world, unfortunately, we seem to only be reminded of the message of "Peace and good will toward men" around Christmas time. It doesn't last. It often fades, and the 'pact' of peace is broken with our neighbors, co-workers, friends and even family members.
My recent reawakening of the absence of peace has created a deeper sense of appreciation of its implications. A regained sensitivity to the importance of maintaining a state of harmony, a true pact of agreement with others, will be more entrenched in my heart as this spiritual day of celebration nears.
As you gather together next week, a sincere admonition is what I offer and share this holiday Season: With tidings of great joy may you find peace...and do your part to make peace.
***Next blog will be January 1, 2015!