PEACE – WHAT DOES IT COST?
An editorial from Monte McClain – Pastor, Fruitvale Presbyterian Church

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” – Jesus of Nazareth (John 14:25)

February is filled with celebrations that affirm our identity in community. You might watch the Super Bowl with your closest friends, celebrate Valentine’s Day with a significant other, celebrate Black History Month in our schools, faith communities or neighborhoods, or participate in Lunar New Year Festivities in different and diverse Asian backgrounds. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday the 21st, marking our 6 week journey towards the resurrection promise of Easter for us and our world. The month is filled with festive Feast Days in which we gather together in community to celebrate who we are culturally, historically, relationally, and also spiritually.

As Christians we gather together in our common belief that something universally unique and authoritative happened in Jesus the Christ. As disciples we share a common hope that in Christ the God of the Universe has given us a peace beyond all understanding, and that through Christ on the Cross this is made possible, and that by Christ we are invited and called to not only talk about such peace, but to work to make it the reality of our world. In the Christian perspective peace isn’t merely just the absence of War, rather it’s the fullness of God’s presence, purpose and passion in and for all of creation. It’s not a temporary surge, but a constant universe-transforming gift of grace, love, and wholeness. When we discover God’s peace we ourselves are transformed, finding the fullness of who we are created to be and become. It’s in the peace that God gives in Christ that we come home – not to become a couch-potatoes, but to discover and deepen our discipleship as ambassadors of Christ’s love for all the world. It’s not sanctioned by Congress, nor a mayoral policy, but rather God’s deepest desire for us and invitation to us to be co-participants in the continuing work of creation.

We are in need of such radical and life-transforming peace, aren’t we? The surging death rate of young men and women (as well as not so young) dying in conflicts around the world from the neighborhoods of Baghdad to the corners of Somalia remind us of our need for peace. The rate of violent crimes and thefts in our city of Oakland are surging towards new potential records in only the second month of the year. A recent article in the Tribune highlighted the gentrification in our own church neighborhood – the Dimond District – and the “rebirth” of an historic city district. Yet at what cost will this gentrified fullness come? Who will be forced out by the surge of skyrocketing housing costs? If Christ gives us his peace – and does it differently than the world does – what does that mean? In a time in which many of us are fearful of what can happen and what is happening, what does Jesus’ invitation to “not be afraid,” mean for us?

February is filled with holidays and celebrations that invite us to peace – either in wishing us peace and prosperity for the new year, to share a peace-full moments with friends and family, or to remember and claim our diverse history in order to prevent the horrors or racism and xenophobia to tyrannize our society. As Christians, Lent invites us to fathom the cost at which God makes peace with us, and the universe through Christ. What does that mean for us? And how are we invited – or challenged – to pay forward our gratitude by being peace-makers in the name of Jesus the Christ in our world, our city, and in our church community – in words, actions, and relationships?

Peace to you and yours,

Monte