Shalom

Peace is not simply the absence of war
It is a gift, it is active, it pursues men and women at times of doubt and trouble and when embraced, it changes lives and communities. Here is O'Donohue again

A Blessing for Peace
 
As the fever of the day calms toward twilight
May all that is strained in us come to ease

We pray for all who suffered violence today,
May an unexpected serenity surprise them

For those who risk their lives
each day for peace,

May their hearts glimpse providence

at the heart of history.
That those who make riches
from violence and war

Might hear in their dreams
the cries of the lost.

That we might see through
our fear of each other

A new vision to heal
our fatal attraction to aggression

That those who enjoy
the privilege of peace
Might not forget their
tormented brothers and sisters
That the wolf might lie down
With the lamb,

That our swords be beaten
Into plowshares

And no hurt or harm be done
Anywhere along the holy mountain.

~ John O'Donohue ~