2020 Theme: Shaping Peace Together
P. A. Chacko SJ
The need of the day in the world is peace. Peace between nations. Peace between communities and races. Peace between religions. Peace in the family. Peace between individuals. Peace in the heart of every human being!
Peace devoid of terrorism and fundamentalism. Peace devoid of religious hatred and fanaticism. Peace when there is the absence of the terror of a pandemic.
Peace when there is economic stability in the country. Peace when the social fabric is not shaken by class-caste manipulations. Peace when democratic principles are followed. Peace when democratically elected governments do not end up in the quagmire of autocracy and fascism.
Peace when people respect one another as human beings, irrespective of the skin colour or the bulge of one’s pocket.
Peace when arrogance gives way to principles based on fellowship, fellow feeling, human respect, human dignity and civility.
Peace when poor people’s land and resources are not appropriated by land sharks and industry magnates with the connivance of political forces. Peace when the marginalised and the economically disabled are helped to join the mainstream of the citizens.
Peace when our mother planet is not polluted and when free and fresh air is available.
Peace when we hold our hands together in fellowship and say, ‘We are One.’
Peace when the government in power is not controlled by cliques or power hungry politicians. Peace when the nation is not steered or piloted by illiterate and hoodwinking nincompoops.
Peace exists when God is given a chance in the affairs of humans and nations.
Into that Haven of Peace let the nations rise!