Violence begets violance

Jesus had said: “Do unto others what you want others do unto you” (Mt. 7:12).  This likewise implies: “Do not do unto others what you do not want others do unto you.”

We know how some people threw bombs to kill others and themselves too.  What’s the result?  The ensuing wars of revenge or retaliation happened.  And the countless casualties worldwide may go beyond a million through the years.

Let us follow the peaceful attitude of the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world—Jesus Christ—the Prince of Peace.  He rose from the dead three days after His crucifixion.  And now the world hails Him as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  He is truly the only solution to obtain peace in our world because He teaches us by word and example to love our enemies (cf. Mt. 5:38-48).

The only way is to “conquer evil with good” (Rom. 12:21).  We should not be overcome by the emotions of hatred and revenge but just open our eyes to what’s happening in reality.  You cannot deny the facts of history (contra factum non valet argumentum).  Open our eyes, open our minds, to humbly and sincerely accept the truth.  “Blessed are the humble and patient, they shall possess the land” (Mt. 5:3-7).  Yes, those who love and cultivate peace from their hearts and minds.

God's people

We are God’s people when we endeavor to know and do His will.  His will is that we learn about Him, His message, His commandments and His eternal designs of love, justice, mercy and compassion.  It is true there are several claiming to proclaim His message of truth, love, justice, and mercy.  But certainly among those diverse opinions we have to discern which one is telling the truth in reality.  We seek for proofs and signs which point to us the ones truly indicating God’s will and desire for us to implement.

                That of course brings us to the point of facts, history and veracity.  In this world of free human affairs we must seek for the truth and the trustworthiness of the given proofs.  Because, let us learn the truth of what had been said once: “You can fool some of the people all the time, all the people some times, but you cannot fool all the people all the time.”  Time will tell and the proofs will prove so in the course of time who is really telling the truth.  In the meantime let us bide our time and patiently wait for the truth to unfold itself with the help and efforts of people sincerely desiring the victory of truth and love and justice.  As Jesus had once said: “Everyone who seeks always finds” (Mt. 7:8).

As little children

Jesus had said:  “Unless you change and become like little children, you shall not enter the kingdom of heaven” (Mt. 18:3).  Unless you remain simple and open to the truth, you cannot enjoy inner peace.

The little child asks questions.   With all the violence, the terrorism, wars, the suicide bombings and extra-judicial killings, we may ask the question:  Do the perpetrators go straight to heaven?  Are they going to be met in heaven by several virgins as some allege, if they so sacrifice for a holy war?  What is a holy war?    Ask...as a little child does.  Even Chinese lore says:  It is shameful to ask a question but it is more shameful not to ask a question.  If you never ask (seek or knock to obtain advice or solutions), you never learn.  (cf. Lk. 11:1-13). 

Amidst the conflicting ideas of our world today, which one is true?  Ask, seek and knock to find out.  Jesus, who is God all-merciful could not be mistaken or lying when He said: “Everyone who asks, receives, everyone who seeks, finds, and to him who knocks, it shall be opened” (Lk. 11:10).  Jesus, the Word of God made flesh, enlightens and guides us on the pathways of peace to our heavenly home, while we endeavor to show mercy and compassion to our less fortunate brothers and sisters in God’s world.    

Humility is the truth

                The expression of the above title only expresses what should be our basic attitudes towards conduct and basic human relationships.  As the Holy Bible teaches on basic or ideal human conduct—“The beginning of human pride is to desert the Lord, and to turn one’s heart away from one’s maker.  Since the beginning of pride is sin, whoever clings to it will pour forth filth.  For which reason the Lord inflicted extraordinary punishments on them and utterly overthrew them” (Sir. 10:12).

                Hence to be humble is to search for the truth, live the truth and to be true to oneself in relationship to God, to ourselves and towards others.  It’s not to pretend to be what you are not.