Christmastide Day 6: December 30th
A Necessary Conversion of Heart

Thirty of us sat in a circle in the late afternoon. We'd been gathered for five days, participating in a weeklong retreat. The rhythm of silence, prayer, and introspection had deepened us. Our meeting room offered great warmth with its long, wide windows and their full view of lush plants and gardens right outside our door. We assembled every morning for formal input and sharing, but these afternoon get-togethers varied: sometimes a ritual, or music, or perhaps a time of prayer.

When the women entered the circle on this particular afternoon, I passed out large cards on which I'd written the names of different countries of the world. Vietnam, Iraq, France, Rwanda, Korea, and so on. Then each woman was asked to imagine that she was a true representative of that country and had, on that level, agreed to pray with others for peace.

Holding the names of our countries in front of us, we began. Many spoke with great emotion. I think that was partially our longing for all countries to begin to inhabit the world in a new way. But it was also recognition of how far we have to go. We looked at one another; we weren't fooled. The only effort that matters in this worldwide quest for peace is the conversion of our own hearts. It isn't a political problem. It's personal.

Is there openness in my own heart? Am I a force for peace?


by Paula D'Arcy, Redbird Foundation
from the book: Daybreaks