Note: Since today is The International Day of Peace, we are re-publishing Fr. Tom's letter first sent on September 11, 2018.
Dear Friends,
It is becoming more and more common to observe the time between September 11th and September 21
st
as the Eleven Days of Peace. September 21
st
has long been established as the International Day of Peace and we, at The Interfaith Peace Project, are preparing for its observance by offering eleven reflections concluding on September 21
st
.
The International Day of Peace is primarily a day in which we deliberately and consciously practice peace
for twenty-four hours. Such a practice is based on the philosophy that if we can practice peace for one full day, then, one day at a time, we can practice peace in all the affairs of our lives. We strive at The Interfaith Peace Project to make every day an International Day of Peace.
Our dear friend and Communications Director, Susan Batterton, has graciously prepared eleven reflections for our consideration. She brings together the wisdom of The Declaration on Human Rights and the United States Constitution in an inspiring format that can serve us well in the days to come.
It is very important for the authentic practice of Interfaith Spirituality to discern the wisdom of humankind's search for the dignity and the full human rights of all peoples. We live in challenging times, to say the least, but we must not give in to despair or hopelessness. Now is the time to honestly and sincerely probe our minds, hearts, and souls as we seek to bless the World with that justice that makes peace possible.
Interfaith Spiritual Practice invites us to discover anew the wisdom embedded in our fundamental writings as a Nation and a World so we might live in such a way as to be the peace we seek. These reflections invite us to respond constructively to the problems and challenges of the present age.
As you prepare to observe The International Day of Peace, please consider these reflections. May they inspire and challenge you to be the peace you seek. Discover anew the peace within you and be encouraged to be that peace. On September 21, wherever you are, with the attitude of your heart, the words from your lips, and the deeds of your hands, bless with peace whoever you meet.
Please be aware of our gratitude to you for all you do to be the peace the World seeks.
Peacefully,
Thomas P. Bonacci, C.P.
Executive Director with the Board of Directors
of The Interfaith Peace Project