Sisters and Brothers of URI,
Blessings on this International Day of Peace.
The General Assembly of the United Nations has declared today as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples. The theme of this year's commemoration is "Partnerships for Peace - Dignity for All" which aims to highlight the importance of all segments of society to work together to strive for peace. (See the UN Secretary-General's message here.) This theme is exemplified by the actions of URI Cooperation Circles around the world who are living out URI's mission through International Day of Peace actions, some of which can be found here.
On this International Day of Peace, I have been reflecting on the importance of pursuing peace within ourselves as we also pursue peace in the world around us.
There is no question that to participate in the global movement for peace and justice, a movement which is so powerfully exemplified by the International Day of Peace, requires our attention to those systems that shape our lives as human beings. This is the work that so many of us have been engaged in for so long. It is crucial work. And in the face of so many urgent external threats in areas of health, the environment, economies, human rights, political instability, mass dislocation, and regional and global aggression, it is understandable that our focus would be drawn to the world around us - the external world - and that therefore our work would focus on conceiving of nonviolent instruments of peacebuilding that engage these issues and create the conditions for peace and human security. This is essential work, and only accomplished if we come together across lines of religious, cultural and national differences and see our diversity as a recourse rather than barrier to our collective action.
But in addition to focusing on the external, instrumental mechanisms of peacebuilding, let us also harness what may be the greatest power at our disposal to create cultures of peace, justice and healing for the Earth and all living beings as we say at URI – a power that emanates from the world within. It is the sacredness of life expressed through the power of love and compassion for those with whom we share this planet, and with the planet itself. Love and compassion connect us to one another, forming a powerful movement for peace and justice that cannot be denied.
On this International Day of Peace, may we join the peace that we seek around us, with the power of love and compassion that flows from within us, and may our efforts move us closer to that world in which our partnerships for peace bring dignity for all.
