OFFERING PEACE IN TRANSITION

For forty years now, the International Day of Peace has been observed around the world every September 21^st. In 1981, the United Nations declared this as a “day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, through observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire.” In addition to this expectation, each year is accompanied by a theme, helping peace-makers to focus on a particular call. 

The theme for 2021 is “Recovering Better for an Equitable and Sustainable World.” This appeal is related to the COVID-19 pandemic, as our world continues to struggle in the midst of mitigation, recovery, and healing efforts. In particular, the United Nations notes that the pandemic has hit “underprivileged and marginalized groups the hardest,” pleading for us to “think creatively and collectively about how to help everyone recover better, how to build resilience, and how to transform our world into one that is more equal, more just, equitable, inclusive, sustainable, and healthier.” The call is to keep being attentive to the needs of others, even as we experience recovery to near-normal closer to home. 

In reflecting on this theme in light of our particular circumstances, I noted us being in a moment of transition. As the Delta variant continues to ebb in our region, we are seeing a real hope of the promised land ahead. More and more vaccines are being administered to youth and adults, with boosters emerging. There is even talk of an approval for shots for children under 12 in the near-future. We continue to learn more from scientists and health experts on the virus, with each day bringing new information. It seems we truly are at a turning point.

During service liturgies in the Episcopal Church, there are often moments to “pass the peace.” This is a time where the gathered are encouraged to greet on another in the name of the Lord. In 1^st century Palestine, this greeting was given with a kiss on the cheek. Nowadays, depending on the culture and nature of relationships, a hug or a handshake takes place. And in pandemic times, this greeting often takes the form of a peace sign or a fist-bump (known in hipper circles as “giving knucks,” so I’m told). 

For Holy Communion, this Passing of the Peace takes place in a moment of transition, between the Ministry of the Word and the Ministry of the Table. In the former, the congregation often sings praises to God, hears words from Scripture, then reflects and prays on how they might take this message out into the world. In the latter, the congregation gathers at the altar to receive the Blessed Sacrament, the body and blood of Christ, to be nourished with the strength to do so. Put another way, the faithful gather to listen (Ministry of the Word) and then prepare for an encounter with God (Ministry of the Table). Passing of the Peace transitions one action to the next. 

As the nations “pass the peace” on September 21^st, I am hopeful that our own pandemic transition invites us to a real encounter of God in one another - especially with those for whom the struggle continues to be real, ever-present, and despairing. And may we do what we can to be the healing hands and feet of God in the world.