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The only thing the world has in common at this point in history is "isms:" sectarian-ism, race-ism, sex-ism, national- ism, and commun-ism. All these isms must change into one-ism." (1:7) Recognition of the oneness of the human race is the backbone of lasting peace. We live on a fragile spacecraft. Our survival depends on cooperation; we need each other. We need someone to sing and someone to hear; someone to complain and someone to listen; someone to cry and someone to wipe away the tears; someone to tell jokes and someone to laugh; and someone to get sick and someone to offer a cure. A doctor told a young patient that her tonsils had to be removed. The patient asked, "Will removing them damage my health?" "No, your tonsils serve no purpose" the doctor told her. "Why then did God give them to me?" asked the inquiring patient. "Well, I think He gave them to you so that I can afford my next vacation!" (1:8) We all have a responsibility to do our share to free the human race from the scourge of war. We should not underestimate our capacity to change the world. What brings about the change, what generates love and peace and unity, is always God's Power. We need to empty ourselves and, like reeds, allow God's Voice to awaken and enchant us-- and to echo that Voice until it is heard in every part of the world by every citizen of our planet. Let us pray that the powers we lay at the service of arms may be elevated to a higher purpose: creating hope, beauty, and happiness in our lives. Without this elevation, we will perish in despair. (1:9) References: |