In chapel with the preschool kids this week, I asked if they knew any birds. At first, I was pleasantly surprised at their responses: “A blackbird. A bluebird.” But then reality set in as they continued: “A red bird. A green bird. A yellow bird.” And I realized that for them, birds were simply identified by their colors – the blackbird was really a black bird, and the bluebird was a blue bird. It took awhile before someone volunteered, “pigeon,” and then another suggested, “bluejay,” and then another, “hummingbird.” And finally, I was able to steer the conversation toward where I had hoped to go in the beginning – to the dove as a symbol of peace. I suppose had we made it to “white bird” I might have segued to “dove” but then again, I may have ended up with an egret or snowy owl! In our Christian tradition, the dove is a symbol of peace and of the Holy Spirit. The image of a dove graces the green pulpit cloth that the fabric artists in our congregation made for this season of Ordinary Time. The figure of a dove alights on our baptismal font as a reminder of the Holy Spirit descending upon Jesus at his baptism, the same Spirit present in our baptisms at that font. Thus, doves are front and center in our worship space – literally and figuratively – and peace should be front and center as well. Last week we had Peter Egwudah, an international peacemaker from Nigeria, speak to us at the 8:30 service about his work in that corner of the world; on World Communion Sunday in October, we will receive the Peacemaking Offering that supports peacemaking efforts locally, nationally, and internationally. Peacemaking is at the heart of our calling as disciples of the risen Christ. “Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give to you,” says Jesus. It is that peace we are called to share with the world – in word and action. Our world is in desperate need of peace these days as violence surges in Ukraine, Gaza, the West Bank, Israel, Lebanon, and Sudan. Closer to home, political rhetoric has become increasingly volatile and divisive; in some political corners, working with the other party or seeking compromise is anathema. Peace is increasingly elusive! Are you a peacemaker who promotes peace among your friends, family, strangers, and enemies, or are you one who stirs the conflict? There seem to be far more voices calling for conflict, war, retribution, and violence than there are voices calling for peace and understanding. Might we be the voices that offer a peaceful alternative? As followers of Jesus, we are called to counter that narrative of conflict – to “seek peace and pursue it,” to quote the psalm, to be channels of God’s peace to paraphrase the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi. In your work, your neighborhood, and home – among your family, friends, and colleagues – in person and online – seek peace! Be peacemakers! For in doing so, we faithfully follow Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace!
— John Peterson
