Colombia: Faith reflection

“They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.” (Isaiah 2:4 and Micah 4:3)

The prophets of old looked ahead to a day of peace and justice, prophesying a day when nations will abolish war. The prophets also exhorted the people to “seek justice [and] rescue the oppressed…” (Isaiah 1:17). The Psalmist and the Apostle Peter called on God’s people to “…seek peace and pursue it” (Psalm 34:14 and 1 Peter 3:11). Jesus, when tempted, rejected military glory and chose the way of peace to usher in God’s kingdom (Luke 4:6, 8).

Anabaptists are part of a sacred tradition of peace and nonviolence; from objecting to the bloody wars in Europe to the Revolutionary War in America to the Vietnam War. Peace is an Anabaptist value and it must be passed on. Colombian sisters and brothers are facing difficult choices and U.S. Christians must respond and stand with them.

“We know that one of the strongest tools that Christians have is prayer. But prayer must be accompanied by action. The people must lead their government to sow justice and harvest peace.” – Ricardo Esquivia (Colombian Mennonite church leader)

Respond by:

1. Praying for Colombian sisters and brothers. The church in Colombia is facing difficulties but the church has also been a crucial voice for justice and peace. U.S. Christians can pray for courage, strength and endurance for Colombians through these difficult times. Also pray that the armed groups and the government will stop the violence to usher in peace for Colombia.
2. Taking action on behalf of those suffering in Colombia. Contact the U.S. government and call for peace in Colombia. Crucial to achieving peace is a radical shift in U.S. policy.
    

Click here to see how U.S. policy must change.