"Living gently in a violent world"

My blog title today is a recent book by Stanley Hauerwas and Jean Vanier. It is an invitation to the way of peace, rooted in "weakness" from the story of the L'Arche experience, and grounded in Jesus. For those who don't know, L'Arche is a web of communities made up of people with various disabilities that Vanier started in France. (Henri Nouwen introduced many to L'Arche when he moved to Toronto in the 90s to be pastor/member of the L'Arche community there.)

Good stuff on "weakness" (see 1 Corinthians 12), violence, peace. A few lines from Vanier, among the many simple, profound words...

In a word of how we grow and learn together, he says, "We must begin at the bottom. Jesus came to announce good news to the poor, freedom to the captives, liberty to the oppressed, sight to the blind. Let's help the poor to rise up, and then help those who have power and money to see that for the sake of peace, which is the greatest good humans can seek, they too should enter into this vision and start helping the weak to rise up." (p. 71)

I have learned much about myself, the "upside-down kingdom," weakness, peace and community from those who have been considered dispensable in the eyes of the world. Someone like Vanier has much to teach me and followers of Jesus.

When describing what places like L'Arche can teach the world, he invites us to have communities of celebration. "Maybe what our world needs more than anything is communities where we celebrate life together and become a sign of hope for our world. Maybe we need signs that it is possible to love each other." (p.75)

More and more, in the course of reflection and listening to what others are saying, these words ring true to me. To demonstrate love for each other. To live out, imperfectly and yet real, love, reconciliation, celebration, laughter, non-violence, compassion, forgiveness, weakness, and acceptance.

The world desperately needs to see this. Thanks, Vanier.

...Footnote: beginning Tuesday (after a slack on the blog) I'll try something new: I'm writing a daily devotional/reflection during these 6 weeks before Easter (Lent, as it is known in many parts of the larger Church). The focus will be on the centrality of Jesus- primarily as I see its meaning for our new church, The Bridge (Denver). So, while the primary context is this setting, it may have a broader application for reflection on the nature of Jesus, the Kingdom of God, etc.