Dona Nobis Pacem: Grant Us Peace
Ha! I wrote this sentence 3 years ago when a period of “polarizing events” seemed an aberration.
Especially in light of so many polarizing events in 2014, I’m featuring this little story, retold from my teacher, Ethel, who was, herself, retelling it.
A Parable about Peace
A child asked at bedtime, “Mommy why is there war? Why can’t there be peace in the world?”
“Well, to have peace in the world, we need peace in our country.
“To have peace in our country, we must have peace in our city.
“To have peace in our city, we must have peace in our neighborhood.
“To have peace in our neighborhood we must have peace in our home.
“To have peace in our homes we must have peace in our hearts.
“My child, do you have peace in your heart? Are you always kind to your siblings? Friends? Acquaintances? Strangers? Enemies?
My child, to have peace in the world we must cultivate peace within.”
I wish each of you dear readers — and myself — peace within.
My Annual Singing Christmas Card
…delivered with a little help from my sisters.
Tami…….Lori…….Sheri
Images courtesy Stuart Miles and supakitmod at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
10 Responses
Let there be peace on Earth, and let it begin with me….
Wishin you and your family a very peace-filled and joyful holiday.
I echo Cristy’s comment and appreciate this reminder that peace starts with each of us. Happy holidays Lori!
Happy Holidays!
My daughter just arrived in Denver today to spend a week with her birth mom. I am at peace.
Wishing you the warmest of holidays!
That made my heart warm, that video. You and your sisters look like you have a great time together and the piece is one of my favorites. Blessings to you all this year!
I still love this: the three of you singing together. Wishing you much peace for the new year.
Peace & love to you & yours in 2015, Lori. 🙂
I’m not sure I’ve seen you and your sisters singing together before. I got a little teary! (I’m one of three sisters too.)
Peace and love, now and always.
I adore your singing Christmas card! How original and fun…and also brave!
I love that story you posted. It’s so true. At the closing of mass the entire congregation sang “Let there be peace on Earth” led by the children’s choir and it was incredibly hard not to get teary, and at the same time wishing we could take that moment and walk out of church with it and heal the world.
Lovely and the parable unpacks an important lesson: peace begins within each of us.