Peace Day: A Living Instrument of Peace

un articulo por Louise Diamond

In 1981, the United Nations established the International Day of Peace - one day set aside every year for people from all over the world to focus on 'the celebration and observance of peace.' That day, September 21 every year, is fast approaching.

In its original declaration of this Peace Day, the UN used the phrase 'a living instrument in the service of peace...' A 'living instrument' suggests a tool that is alive to its own potential for effective action; fully aligned with being used in the best possible way, for the highest possible good. To be 'in the service of' means to give one's small will over to a larger goal; to work for; to give one's all to.

Therefore, to be 'a living instrument in the service of peace' I give myself - my skills, my time, my effort and action - to realizing the great vision of peace on earth that we all hold so dear. No single action can fulfill such a vast vision by itself, but the combined acts, over time, of more and more of us can make a huge difference.

A vision without action is empty; action without vision is aimless. A vision celebrated with purposeful action is power-full. We CAN change the world. We CAN shift our society from a culture of violence to a culture of peace. We CAN make peace the organizing principle of our collective presence on this planet; make peace the way we live. We can do this, if each of us will do our part.

There are several wonderful national and international events celebrating Peace Day that you can participate in. Among other things, you might take a Peace Pledge; organize your faith community for a 24-hour prayer/meditation vigil; or encourage local or global leaders to honor a daylong ceasefire from acts of violence. I refer you to the following websites for more information on these and similar activities: www.internationaldayofpeace.org; www.pathwaystopeace.org; www.idpvigil.com; www.worldpeace.org; www.peaceoneday.org; or www.un.org/events/peaceday.

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Participants in the International Day of Prayer for Peace have received the following letter from the World Council of Churches:

The International Day of Prayer for Peace (IDPP) 2007 was a special day around the world. On the 21 alone, people from about 50 countries visited our web page to find information and probably prayers. You have contributed to this day by observing it in your community and we want to thank you for your efforts and commitment. Thank you to all of you who have gone through the trouble of letting us know what you and your church or community is doing! This is greatly appreciated and will encourage others next year.

There is evidence that an increasing number of people, communities, churches and networks around the world are observing the International Day of Peace (UN) and the International Day of Prayer for Peace (WCC) http://overcomingviolence.org/about-d....e.html As the people who believe that peace is possible get together and pray, as they work for peace and justice, the momentum grows so that leaders and political powers begin to pay attention. Always remember that it was the perseverance of people, not least in churches, who brought apartheid to end and the Berlin wall to tumble.

A sign, discovered last week by the Living Letters team to the US reads: When the people lead the leaders will follow. This is what the International Day of Peace is about. A growing number of people, increasing the momentum for more peace and less violence. Your prayers are a powerful testimony and they strengthen the work you and other do in peacemaking. . ... continuación.

Este artículo ha sido publicado on line el August 30, 2003.

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