As Jesus drew near Jerusalem, he saw the city and wept over it, saying, “If this day you only knew what makes for peace.” As you come down the Mount of Olives you arrive at a small chapel called Dominus Flevit, the Lord wept. This is the traditional site commemorating the scene reported in St. Luke’s Gospel. In its three thousand year long history Jerusalem has not known much peace. In fact, historians tell us there is no time in recorded history which was free from war. In the book, The Once and Future King, King Arthur tries to harness might so that it works for right. He finds it is impossible. He finds greater force does not create peace but opposition. What makes for peace, in Jesus’ admonition, is not greater force but kindness, compassion, understanding, empathy, forgiveness. As the wars currently happening in our world remind us, sometimes bullies use their force to impose their will on others. Resisting bullies is a necessary step at times but real peace will only come when we give up using force and return love.
