Lord, have mercy!
Christ, have mercy!
Lord, have mercy!
When, O Lord, will we learn that peace does not come through force?
When, O Lord, will we learn that peace does not come through fighting?
When, O Lord, will we learn that peace does not come by conquering others?
When, O Lord, will we learn that peace does not come through mechanisms of death?
We look on with horror at the ever-escalating violence that grips the people and their nations in the Middle East.
We mourn the faith placed in military might.
We mourn the faith placed in weapons that supposedly vanquish enemies, but only perpetuate cycles of violence.
We mourn the faith placed in violence, as if that can bring about right relationships.
Christians are called to embody a faith that seeks the welfare of others, not their demise.
Christians are called to embody a faith that lays down our arms instead of participating in the ever-increasing cycle of violence.
Christians are called to embody the ways of peace, not violence, as our journey of faith.
Christians are called to love our enemies – or refuse to have enemies – and reach across barriers to build bridges of respect, mutuality and conciliation even with those who may be hostile.
Christians are called to participate in a faith that follows and seeks to live out the ways of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.
And Christians are called to invite others, including those of other faiths, to seek alternatives to violence and live into a different future where all can encounter life and well-being.
Rockets will not bring peace.
Invasion will not bring peace.
Violence will not bring peace.
Enough! Basta! Ça suffit !
God, the Father of heaven, have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us.