Peace is needed on every level, in every way and peace connects these two writings, so very different in every other way — continent, liturgy or poetry, human covenant or reflection of creation.
Elena Huegel of the Pentecostal Church of Chile writes … This is the commitment prayer that we all say together at the Shalom Center/Centro Shalom of the Pentecostal Church of Chile to seal our community covenant. We use the words for peace in English (peace) Spanish (Paz) Hebrew (Shalom) and Guarani (Py’aguapy) each with their special cultural view and context of peace. The Guarani word (Guaraní is the language of Paraguay) literally means “tranquil stomach.” Think of the first place one feels the lack of peace! It is also a word that points to justice and community: when all of us are well fed and our stomach are at ease, then we know peace.
COMPROMISO SHALOM
Paz, peace, py’aguapy.
Me comprometo, Señor, a buscar:
La sanidad de mi relación contigo.
La sanidad de mi relación conmigo misma.
La sanidad de mi relación con otros.
La sanidad de mi relación con toda tu creación.
¡SHALOM!
SHALOM COMMITMENT
Paz, peace, py’aguapy.
I commit, Lord, to searching for:
The healing of my relationship with you.
The healing of my relationship with myself.
The healing of my relationship with others.
The healing of my relationship with all your creation.
¡SHALOM!
and from Robin List of Aotearoa / New Zealand, this poem …
The Gleaners
In the time between
the baler`s thump
and the lifter`s rattle
In the spaces
between the bales
the gleaners claim
their ancient right.
In this evening moment
of butterscotch light
there is peace between tribes.
Plover will sift straw with starling
finch will peck beside thrush.
They shall not hurt or destroy
in all my holy field.
Gifts in Open Hands 