Peace by Peace

We must not look at nature as though it was some kind of property or real estate on which we can stake our claim. Nor is nature something over which we can exercise exclusive rights – “All the earth is mine” says the Lord (Ex. 19:5, cf. Lv. 25:23). The biblical view also reminds us that God has bound himself to a covenant with nature and has entrusted humankind with the protection and care of the planet. We have, in fact, a community of living creatures. Therefore we must think of the world as a living organism rather than a machine we have power over to be used at our own whim. Being part of the living earth, we have a task to sustain and nurture creation as we ourselves are sustained and nurtured by it.

Walk for Creation: World day of prayer for the care of Creation, Christ the King Seminary, QC, September 1, 2018

~ Colm McKeating, Light which Dims the Stars: A Christian Theology of Creation (1940-2015)

All the wealth of the world cannot be compared to living together happily united.

Statueof Saint Marie-Marguerite d'Youville by David Derner, D'Youville College, New York

~ Saint Marguerite d'Youville, Founder, Mother of Universal Charity (1701–1771)

No longer should our brothers be seen wandering the roads and in the squares, starving and trembling with cold, under the icy north wind, naked members of the Body of Christ… There ought to be beggars and destitute persons no longer. All should be equal.

~ St. Tikhon of Zadonsk, bishop and monk (1724-1783)

Does capital punishment tend to the security of the people? By no means. It hardens the hearts of men, and makes the loss of life appear light to them; and it renders life insecure, inasmuch as the law holds out that property is of greater value than life.

Elizabeth Fry by Charles Robert Leslie

~ Elizabeth Fry, Quaker reformer (1780-1845)

The baggage you are carrying from your past is the result of the actions of other people. You can’t control what others do, but you can choose how you react. When you choose to forgive and forget, you shift that baggage to God’s hands and leave it there. Your life will immediately feel lighter and simpler.

~ Baggage, Simple Living for Busy People: God’s Guide to Enjoying What Matters Most