Nonviolence as a daily practice in decisions, relationships and communications
Preparatory reading
“The spiritual practice of daily contemplative peace is good for our own sanity and healing. In this quiet prayer, as we dwell in the presence of God, and strengthen our relationship with God, God gently disarms our heart and digs out the roots of war within us. In return God gives us the gift of peace. As we begin to become aware of God’s disarming, healing work in prayer, and the new nonviolence we now feel, we can consciously join God’s disarming process. We learn to bring all our inner violence, hatred, resentments, bitterness, anger and desire for revenge to the God of peace and give it all to God, and welcome God’s gift of inner peace.”
John Dear, The Nonviolent Life
“Let us live in peace, and then we are a little oasis of peace in a war-torn world … Let us pray together, no matter what our faith is, for each other and for the whole world.”
Venerable Dorothy Day
Scripture Reading: Colossians 3:12-17
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God through him.
Questions for Reflection
• Do you have daily practices that help you maintain your interior peace of mind and heart?
• Do you bring your anger and resentments to God for healing?
• What do you need to “let go” of in order to have more inner peace?
Prayer
Loving and compassionate God, you desire that I live in peace as your beloved child and pursue a nonviolent life. Yet, I recognize that I am weak and fail to live fully the way of peace. Send your Holy Spirit to help me to be nonviolent to myself and to others. Help me to let go of everything that keeps me from that inner peace. Open my heart to love all people as my brother and sister. Amen.