Dec 2015 The Road to Daybreak A Spiritual Journey by Henri J M Nouwen

(Continue from) Six Ways of Peacemaking   Today is Ascension Day, and open house at L'Arche in Trosly. Hundreds of friends came to pray and play, to buy L'Arche products, to listen to the local band, and to hear speeches by the director of the community, Alain St. Macary, and Jean Vanier. The theme of the day was peacmaking. While dozens of little children were running around and making joyful noises, and while many of the handicapped and their assistants were walking around in clown costumes, Jean Vanier offered six ways of being a peacemaker. The loudspeakers were loud enough to let him be hards by those who wanted to hear him. A group of fourteen girls who had heard Jean speak in Lourdes last week had come from Paris for the occasion and welcomed his speech with cheers. Here are the six points Jean Vanier offered for peacemakers: (1) Respect every individual human being; (2) create space for people to grow and become mature; (3) always stay in dialogue; (4) keep adapting mutual expectations; (5) enjoy the differences among people; (6) always direct your attentions to those who suffer most. Jean offered these points to help us deal with the many conflicts that keep arising among us. They are the way to peace - whether it be in the family, in the community, or in the world.

- To Be Continued - © Copyright Shalom 2015. All rights reserved.