The way to peace

True penitence cannot exist with pride, and humility is the hallmark of the person at peace. In the wisdom of the early Christian church, the celebration of the Nativity of our Lord was a feast day of the greatest importance. It was appropriate, therefore, to designate a liturgical season of penance and prayer during the four weeks before the great birthday arrived, and with it, rejoicing. The garments worn by the priesthood that re-enacts the Last Supper is purple, which denotes sorrow for sins and the desire to be repentant for one's unworthiness. We call this period of time Advent.

As a nation, we are currently engaged in two conflicts in Iraq and in Afghanistan. Daily, human beings are killing one another in these areas, and in other spots such as the abject evil of terrorists at Humbai, in India, where slaughter of innocents is rife and fills the news. There is no true and reliable evidence that humankind wants any part of peace, although it springs to one's lips quickly, as a shibboleth, or pious wish as fleeting as a sigh.

How then may we achieve a sense of peace, both in our hearts and as a people who are caught up in the hells of war, with its effects of sorrow and grief bringing human suffering? The only answer is to study the situation and see what measures we may employ to bring it to an honorable end? We have just finished an election of a new team who have brought wisdom and experience to bear in solving these and other problems. We trust that using our faith to abolish fear, and relying on the promises of God to bring us peace once more will life our spirits as a nation ready to wish one another and the waiting world "Merry Christmas!"

As individuals and as families, may we not remember the warm feeling we had last week when we were thankful and feasted together? Should not we be ready to forgive one another, and walk as God's children together as we enjoy life's goodness and bounty, remembering that we are dwellers in a fine land? May we not look ahead to celebrating at Christmas and beyond with one another while we enjoy the legacy and the grace with which our fathers have bestowed us? Are we not the people of good will who deserve peace?