In the midst of life this week, I’ve experienced some discord, strife, questions, soul-searching … Today I explore the concept of peace in poetry and scripture. I hope as you read the words, you’ll find solace for your inner life.
“Now cometh all ye that been y-brought
~John Walton, 1410
In bonds full of busy bitterness,
Of earthly lusts abiding in your thought!
Here is the rest from all you business,
Here is the port of peace and restfulness
To them that stand in storms and disease,
Refuge overt to wretches in distress,
And all comfort from mischief and misease.”
Peace is the centre of the atom, the core
~Madeleine L’Engle
Of quiet within the storm. It is not
A cessation, a nothingness; more
The lightning in reverse is what
Reveals the light. It is the law that binds
The atom’s structure, ordering the dance
Of proton and electron, and that finds
Within the midst of flame and wind, the glance
In the still eye of the vast hurricane.
Peace is not placidity; peace is
The power to endure the megatron of pain
With joy, the silent thunder of release,
The ordering of Love. Peace is the atom’s start,
The primal image. God within the heart.
Praying and singing this old hymn … based on a few verses from John 20: “Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.””
Breathe on me, breath of God,
Fill me with life anew,
That I may love what Thou dost love,
And do what Thou wouldst do.Breathe on me, breath of God,
Edwin Hatch
Until my heart is pure,
Until with Thee I will one will,
To do and to endure.
I do not ask, O Lord, that life may be
A pleasant road;
I do not ask that Thou wouldst take from me
Aught of its load;I do not ask that flowers should always spring
Beneath my feet;
I know too well the poison and the sting
Of things too sweet.For one thing only, Lord, dear Lord, I plead,
Lead me aright–
Though strength should falter, and though heart should bleed–
Through Peace to Light.I do not ask, O Lord, that thou shouldst shed
Full radiance here;
Give but a ray of peace, that I may tread
Without a fear.I do not ask my cross to understand,
My way to see;
Better in darkness just to feel Thy hand
And follow Thee.Joy is like restless day; but peace divine
~A. A. Procter
Like quiet night:
Lead me, O Lord,–till perfect Day shall shine,
Through Peace to Light.
Now may the Lord of peace himself give … me … you, too … peace at all times and in every way … the dance of proton and electron … God within the heart.
