EDITOR: Sept. 21 was designated in 1981 by the United Nation as
an International Day of Peace.
EDITOR:
Sept. 21 was designated in 1981 by the United Nation as an International Day of Peace. This year it falls, appropriately, on a Sunday; a day of prayer and reflection for many of us.
The proclamation begins by stating that “peace embraces the deepest hopes of all peoples and remains humanity’s guiding inspiration.” The day should be “devoted to commemorating and strenghtening the ideals of peace both within and among all nations and peoples.”
In 2001, the U.N. expanded the observance to include a call for a day of global ceasefire and non-violence.
As citizens of southern Santa Clara County, what can we do to honor the International Day of Peace? Certainly, all faith communities on Saturday and Sunday should offer prayers for peace and justice in our world. On Saturday, Sept. 20, the community is invited to participate in “Coastal Cleanup Day” – a day to help heal our creeks and beaches.
Perhaps a word to our political leaders that the ordinary people of this world truly aspire to make global peace a practical reality for future generations. Perhaps a word at home that conveys concern and compassion especially for the vulnerable and the innocent victims of violence. Or, perhaps, exercising our right and our responsibility to promote our democracy by voting in the upcoming elections.
Hoping for peace is not enough. Effort and determination are required. On this day, let us apply words that we know how to say but find difficult to put into practice – such as reconciliation, forgiveness, compassion, mercy, justice, human dignity, fairness, generosity, preference for the poor and the culture of life. Mix these great human values with the grace of God, and peace is possible.
Make the time on Sunday, Sept. 21, to dream about peace and how we can make it a reality around the world.
Mike Monroe, Gilroy
