91热爆

Good morning.

听

Today is set apart in the Anglican Church as a day to remember the life of Bishop George Bell.听 Born in 1883, a he was keen advocate for unity among all people, and believed that Christians should work together for peace and justice in the world.

听

听A strong opponent of Hitler鈥檚 Nazi regime, during the war Bell spoke out against anti-Semitism and worked tirelessly to find homes for refugees. Some of Bell鈥檚 views were not very popular, but he was driven by a belief that God longs for all people to be united in love.听 For him, this vision of a world at peace was not just a pious dream, rather something to be realized on earth. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the German theologian who ultimately lost his life in a prison camp, was a close friend of Bishop Bell. Together they shared a belief that the world could be a better place, if people would 鈥榮eek peace and pursue it鈥�.听

听

Of course, this is easier said than done. The world seems full of strife and turmoil. And peace in our hearts and lives, as well as in our homes and communities is often elusive. Yet, peace, as the Bible describes it, is not simply the absence of trouble. Rather it is a gift from God that may be experienced in the midst of difficulty.听

听

I love the Bible story which describes the disciples of Jesus sitting in fear and bewilderment behind closed doors. Overwhelmed by grief, they were not sure which way to turn or what they should do. Then, the Risen Christ stood among them and said 鈥淧eace be with you鈥�.

听

Loving God, there is so much that is amiss in the life of the world and in our own lives today. We ask that you would give to everyone your gift of peace. In the name of Christ we pray. Amen.