Saturday, November 14, 2009

Pathways to Peace

An Excerpt from Pathways to Peace: Interreligious Readings and Reflections edited by A. Jean Lesher
This paperback edited by A. Jean Lesher contains quotations from sacred scriptures and spiritual leaders on bringing peace to this weary and war-torn world. Here is an excerpt on the spiritual practice of vision.

MERGER POEM
by Judy Chicago

And then all that has divided us will merge
And then compassion will be wedded to power.
And then softness will come to a world that is
harsh and unkind
And then both men and women will be gentle
And then both women and men will be strong
And then no person
will be subject to another's will
And then all will be rich and free and varied
And then the greed of some
will give way to the needs of many
And then all will share equally
in the earth's abundance
And then all will care
for the sick and the weak and the old
And the all will nourish the young
And then all will cherish life's creatures
And then all will live
in harmony with each other and the earth.
And then everywhere
will be called Eden once again.