25 March 2026

Jesus espouses the way of the peace-maker. The cross is all about self-giving love and non-violent resistance. In this, he embodies a truth of profound significance. Evil is overcome by good.

In our daily lives, we are always suspicious of people who resort to force in order to make their point or win their argument. If they embodied the truth would this be necessary? The truth is its own defence.

So where are you on this spectrum? Are you a pacifist? Or do you think that there is such a thing as a just war? Perhaps it is the lesser of two or more evils?

Pacifists don’t think that those who justify war take the example of Jesus seriously enough. Those who justify war don’t think the pacifists take sin seriously enough. What do you think? How is this tension resolved.

In his splendid book, ‘Ancient Wisdom, Modern World’, the Dalai Lama makes the point that ‘genuine, lasting world peace will only be possible as a result of each of us making an effort internally’. He talks about the need to ‘disarm internally’ and get rid of our negative thoughts.

In addition, we must become aware of the sufferings of others. ‘It is thus essential that we remain sensitive to others and, recognising their equal rights to happiness, do nothing that would contribute to their suffering.’

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