The Healing Power of Peace in a Divided World
The recent VE Day celebrations provided a powerful backdrop for reflection on peace, faith, and our role as Christians in a divided world. As church bells rang across Britain commemorating the end of hostilities in Europe, the conclave in Rome announced a new Pope. These two significant events converged in a meaningful way, highlighting humanity's enduring desire for peace.
VE Day is fundamentally about commemorating peace, not celebrating warfare. The pageantry, vintage aircraft, and ceremonial events are meant to remind us of the profound relief that came when the fighting stopped. Queen Elizabeth, then a princess, dancing incognito among crowds of jubilant Londoners captures this spirit of celebration. Yet these commemorations occur against a backdrop of ongoing global conflicts – Ukraine, Israel-Palestine, India-Pakistan – reminding us of peace's fragility and preciousness.
The election of Pope Leo, an American-born but Peruvian citizen, adds another dimension to these reflections. Coming from the tradition of liberation theology in South America, his ministry has focused on the needs of the poor and marginalized. His background suggests a pontiff who may speak boldly against tyranny and oppression, following in Pope Francis's footsteps while maintaining the traditional theological positions of Roman Catholicism. His first words from the Vatican balcony – "Peace, peace, I bring you peace" – echo the message of Christ, the Prince of Peace.
King Charles's VE Day speech similarly emphasized love, diversity, and harmony – simple yet profound values that form the bedrock of both national unity and Christian faith. These messages from world leaders prompt us to consider how the global church might respond to conflict and division. Rather than aligning with political factions, the church's calling is to stand for justice and peace, embodying Christ's radical love that transcends political boundaries.
The most poignant reflection comes in remembering the dwindling number of firsthand witnesses to World War II. Where once ministers regularly heard war stories over cups of tea, these voices have largely fallen silent. Their experiences – like the Queen Mother recalling how Buckingham Palace was bombed during the Blitz – are now mostly preserved in memory and historical accounts. This underscores our responsibility to remember not just the victory, but the horror of war and the preciousness of peace.
For healing ministries like ACORN, this convergence of events reinforces their mission. Rather than becoming entangled in doctrinal disagreements or denominational politics, such ministries focus on "watering the fields" – bringing Christ's healing love to all people regardless of background or belief. This approach rises above divisions, seeking to make each small corner of the world more loving and peaceful through prayer and compassionate action.
In a world where church leaders sometimes align themselves with political powers, Christ's example calls us to a different path – standing with the vulnerable and speaking truth to power. Whether it's recognizing the Christ-like reflection in a hungry child in Gaza or extending healing prayer to those in need, this radical discipleship challenges comfortable Christianity and invites us into a life of genuine peacemaking that reflects the heart of Jesus.