Peace is the way
The Jewish Festival of Lights, Hanukkah, begins Dec. 3. The story of Hanukkah is recounted in the Books of the Maccabees, a collection of writings that are part of what is called the Apocrypha. The historical period is around the late Second Century before the Common Era. Seleucid Kings ruled over Judea and persecution of the Jewish people was widespread.
Peter, Paul and Mary sing a song called “Light One Candle,” and part of it goes like this:
“Light one candle for the Maccabee children with thanks that their light didn’t die.
“Light one candle for the pain they endured when their right to exist was denied.
“Their right to exist.” Saturday the right to exist for eleven people, 11 Jewish people who were worshipping in their synagogue, was denied. Denied by a White Nationalist who believes that Jews must be exterminated.
I am praying for those who died, for their families and friends, and for the community that now mourns. And we hear words of condolence from our elected officials. But here’s the thing about prayer. Something I learned from my mentor while in seminary. He had a sign in his office that read, “If you want to pray for potatoes, you’d better have a rake and a hoe handy.”
You see, prayer without action is empty. In the Letter of James we are told that faith without action is dead faith.
I realize that for many of us the violence and hate is so overwhelming we aren’t sure what actions we can take that will make any difference.
“Light one candle for the terrible sacrifice justice and freedom demand;
“But light one candle for the wisdom to know when the peacemaker’s time is at hand. “The peacemaker’s time is at hand.” “What is the way to peace?” you ask. There is no way to peace. Peace is the way.
This coming Sunday, we will hold a candlelight vigil at 7 p.m. for those who have died. In the face of hatred and violence, in the face of those who preach fear we will gather.
And together we will light one candle. Be well. See you Sunday. Ron Griffen El Centro First United Methodist Church