Peace Vigil

It is hard to know what to do when the things that need to change seem so far beyond our control. But there are always things we can do, and attending a peace vigil is one of them. Can I suggest an ABC of peace-seeking?

Activism

Belonging

Contemplation

C is for Contemplation. That is what we do in our vigils: we acknowledge that, as the mystic, Julian of Norwich wrote, “there is a force of love moving through the universe that holds us fast and will never let us go”. You might be someone who calls that force of love ‘God’, or you might use a different name, but as we come together in consciousness that the heart of reality is love, not conflict, then we can believe together that a better tomorrow is possible.

B is for Belonging which is just as important because nobody can sustain their hope or their energy on their own. We need each other. If we want to see peace in the world, we need to practice peace in our local community. That is why we sometimes share a meal after our vigils. If you are able to stay around for that you are very welcome. Everyone belongs here.

A is for Activism. Peace doesn’t come without struggle, so if you are someone who gives speeches, marches in protests, circulates petitions, engages with politicians, or does anything else in the name of peace, then bless you. Jesus said, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied.” We don’t do any of those things at our vigils. Activism is exhausting, and activists need to down tools regularly and spend time in contemplation and belonging to recharge their batteries. My hope is that activists will learn about these monthly vigils and come along to be energised and then sent out to continue their work with greater clarity and energy.