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Editorial, Fall 2004 issue of PAGES:
"Looking Around Me"
Family legend has it that my two older
brothers — close in age as "youngsters" and buddies
throughout life — got into a tangle one day. If I have
the story correct, the youngest, Dan, threatened,
"I'm gonna tell Papa!" and headed for the source of
justice! Suddenly, he slowed his steps and his uncle
(who later told the story with delight) overheard
Dan say, "Oh, we'll just have to kiss and make up!"
Reality had struck! His Papa who always cared
about justice also had this inconvenient commitment
to peace.
Peace and justice — this is our story. And
we listen to Jesus teaching us that this is
justice for the poor and oppressed, not
for "my rights" or to maintain "my life
style." How inconvenient is this concern
for peace and justice around the world!
And yet — how releasing this is.
Orientation for a term with MCC years ago
included facing up to the reality that our "things"
just may be stolen — I recall the gentle counsel given
then: "It helps not to be too attached to our
things."
Although we did "lose some stuff" along the
way, I noticed that our baggage going home was not
particularly light! The second assignment was in a
country where stealing seldom happened — a
Muslim country. A neighbor I did not know at all
came knocking on our door one day to remind me I
had left my purse in my car!
It is obvious to the whole world that I am
not poor. In this time of hot, blistering campaign
talk, I have been reminded that "God is not
Republican or Democrat." A church member at our
home congregation, Plains Mennonite, reminds us
regularly of broken peace around the world - these
"reports" are a gift to our congregation, calling us
to prayer and justice work. A recent peace sermon
sounded the "call to the church to be part of
transforming the culture." Again, not convenient
or even safe.
As followers of Jesus, we are assured of
no special privileges, no trouble-free life, no special
"security." If we ask, we will receive — God's
presence and strength for the day.
— Helen L. Lapp
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