May 2025

VIEW FROM THE HEIGHTS               

May 2025

“God will settle arguments between nations. They will pound their swords and their spears into rakes and shovels; they will never make war or attack one another.”

Isaiah 2:4 CEV

Greetings,

This past week, I’ve been watching commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day. They were moving and inspiring, reminding me of my mum’s anti-war sentiments. “I don’t want war, I know what war is like,” she would tell belligerents on the telly!

Words to the wise! Words echoed throughout Europe recently.

In his May 8th speech, King Charles III reminded us of Churchill’s dictum, “Meeting jaw to jaw is better than war.” The King then called on individuals and nations to “rededicate ourselves … to renewing global commitments to restoring just peace.” 

Easter Sunday, Pope Francis’ final message to the world also focused on peace and justice. He said,

“What a great thirst for death, for killing, we witness each day in the many conflicts raging in different parts of our world! How much violence we see, often even within families, directed at women and children! How much contempt is stirred up at times towards the vulnerable, the marginalized, and migrants!

On this day, I would like all of us to hope anew and to revive our trust in others, including those who are different than ourselves, or who come from distant lands, bringing unfamiliar customs, ways of life and ideas! For all of us are children of God!”

Pope Francis will be sorely missed. But men and women of goodwill will be heartened by his successor’s premier address. Pope Leo XIV greeted faithers and well-wishers thus:

“Peace be with you!... God loves us, all of us, evil will not prevail. We are all in the hands of God. Without fear, united, hand in hand with God and among ourselves, we will go forward…. so we can all be one people always in peace.”[i]

From the prophets of Ancient Israel to Jesus, Charles III to Leo XIV, God’s pleas for peace resound. God’s cries for justice echo down through the ages and across all faiths and cultures.

“Do you know what I want?    I want justice—oceans of it.I want fairness—rivers of it.    That’s what I want. That’s all I want.”

Amos 5: 24 The Message

It’s on us now!

Deepest Blessings,

Brenda

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i All quotations from BBC News website