Making Peace

We like to think that human beings have changed a lot over the past few centuries, that we have evolved and matured. We are more sophisticated technologically, and this has given us easy access to more information than the world has ever known. But information is not the same as wisdom. Has human nature changed or matured over the centuries? One way to know is to check in with people like today’s writer, Thomas A Kempis. He lived in the Netherlands in the 1400s. His book of advice to Christian monks, The Imitation of Christ, was a big hit with monks and lay people for many centuries. As you read today’s passage, and consider whether you know people whom these words describe, 500 years after they were written: 

“Firstly, be peaceful yourself, and you’ll be able to bring peace to others. A man of peace does more good than a very learned man. A passionate man turns even good into evil, and readily listens to evil; but a good and peaceful man turns all things to good. He who is truly at peace thinks evil of no one; but he who is discontented and restless is tormented by suspicions beyond number. He has no peace in himself, nor will he allow others any peace. He often says what he ought not to say, and leaves undone what he should have done. He takes note of how other people carry out their duties, but neglects his own. Therefore, before all else, attend diligently to your own affairs; then you may be property concerned for your neighbour also.

…..If you wish others to bear with you, you must bear with them. See how far you are from true charity and humility, which feels no anger nor indignation towards any save itself. It is no great matter to associate with the good and gentle, for this is naturally pleasant to everyone. All men are glad to live at peace, and prefer those who are of their own way of thinking. But to be able to live at peace among hard, obstinate, and undisciplined people and those who oppose us, is a great Grace, and a most commendable and manly achievement.”

It remains true that people who like trouble rarely accept blame for the trouble they cause, while those who like to share peace rarely take credit for the peace they help engender. For Thomas a Kempis, he found peace within a monastery where he lived for most of his life. He had sought anonymity, but the wisdom of his book on how to draw closer to Jesus made him famous. Spiritual life is full of paradoxes, as we move beyond the surface and into the depths.

Next week for Holy Week, this series will skip head into the 20^th century to meet modern monks and nuns who have found wisdom while living in seclusion. Peace.

-Rev. Stephen Milton, Lawrence Park Community Church, Toronto

Quotation source: Thomas A Kempis, The Imitation of Christ, Book 2, Chapter 3.

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