Peace is a Result of People Living for the 'Kingdom' (a 'Community of the Beloved')

Peace is not the product of terror or fear.
Peace is not the silence of cemeteries.
Peace is not the silent result of violent repression.
Peace is the generous,
tranquil contribution of all
to the good of all.
Peace is dynamism.
Peace is generosity.
It is right and it is duty.

- Archbishop Oscar Romero

The Greatest Work

For one human being to love another: that is perhaps the most difficult of our tasks; the ultimate, the last test and proof, the work for which all other work is but preparation.
-Rainer Maria Rilk

If there is love.....

If there is love, there is hope to have real families, real brotherhood, real equanimity, real peace. If the love within your mind is lost, if you continue to see other beings as enemies, then no matter how much knowledge or education you have, no matter how much material progress is made, only suffering and confusion will ensue.
- The Dalai Lama

Is Barack Obama the American Messiah?

The election of Barrack Obama to the Presidency of the United States of America represents something very good and long overdue.
The suffering of African Americans is a tragic blight on the history of the greatest nation on the face of the earth. Prejudice of any sort is to be condemned and overcome and we should rejoice when we see its power diminishing in our lives. I have been very gratified to see and hear how people of colour everywhere are celebrating this latest milestone on the march to the promised land. Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream is closer to being realized. The symbolism in this event is powerful and important.

But this does not mean that an election victory will translate into lasting and concrete improvements for America and its citizens. Only responsible government of a responsible people will lead to an improved future. I hope that the commitments spoken of by Barrack Obama on the campaign trail will be realized. A good and decent life should be available to all citizens. The weak and disadvantaged should be assisted to a better life. Concern and compassion for our the fellow members of the human family should be our way of life. And fathers (black and white) should take responsibility for the children they sire.

A revolution of values is needed to see the Obama agenda realized. We will have to wait to see if this amazingly talented and charismatic man will lead us to that revolution of values or if it will be more of the same 'hedonism for all and damn the consequences' that has been the dark underside of our liberal/rights culture for several generations.

LH