Reflection on Brussels Bombings
Good Friday Message:
Violence is not the Answer!
Only Love can Conquer Hate!
Tuesday’s bombings in Brussels that killed and injured scores is another human tragedy in a world of escalating violence. Our prayers and aloha go out to all the families whose lives have been shattered by such senseless acts. One thing should be clear. More violence is not a solution to violence. Shutting down borders, building walls, mass deportations, surveillance of Muslims, waterboarding, etc. as called for by some U.S. political candidates will not solve the problem of violence. Instead of making us all safer, such actions will only add to divisions, building more fear and hate.
If we really want to stop the escalating cycle of violence, building a more just, peaceful world should be our goal. There are great divides that need healing in our communities, nations, and world. The gap between rich and poor widens, resulting in desperation and a lack of hope by many. Our world seems to be in a state of perpetual war with the U.S. leading the way in creating chaos and what the CIA calls “Blowback” –growing hatred and senseless violence in response to policies of senseless violence – economic exploitation, regime changes, bombings, drone killings, Special Ops – assassination squads, etc.
On this day, as we remember the crucifixion of Jesus by the Roman Empire, let us remember his message. “Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you.” Jesus’ message to each of us is to become prophetic people for justice, peace and nonviolence. Our message should be one of calling for justice for the poor, narrowing the divides and healing our communities, putting an end to war by embracing nonviolence and peace as both the means we use and the end that we seek.
For most, it is easy to see the bombings in Brussels as senseless violence. But what do we call the killing of 4 million Muslims in modern Western wars?
Let us give pause and reflect on the meaning of senseless violence instead of making a knee jerk reaction of more violence. Let us realize that “an-eye-for-an-eye is only making the whole world blind. Together, let us be a voice of conscience for justice, peace and healing, not more hate, divisions and violence that is tearing our world apart. With new eyes, let us begin to see and respect each other and the earth we share. In truth, we are one human family. If only we can see and live as such.
“Love your enemies.” Jesus
“Hatred ever kills. Love never dies.” Gandhi
- Mourn all victims of violence. 2. Reject war as a solution. 3. Defend civil liberties.
4. Oppose all discrimination, anti-Islamic, anti-Semitic, anti-Hawaiian, etc.
5. Seek peace through justice in Hawai`i and around the world.
Contact: Malu ‘Aina Center for Non-violent Education & Action
P.O. Box 489 Kurtistown, Hawai’i 96760
Phone (808) 966-7622. Email: ja@malu-aina.org Sign up on our website to receive our posts http://www.malu-aina.org/
Hilo Peace Vigil leaflet (March 25, 2016 – 757th week) – Friday 3:30-5PM downtown Post Office
