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Some weeks ago, we went to see the movie, “The Martian.” The experience offered an odd juxtaposition. The previews before the movie were the usual action packed, shoot ‘em up violence that is supposed to make the movies featured look enticing and appealing. As usual, they were filled with gratuitous violence. Underlying all of this violence is a low regard for human life or maybe we should say a blatant disregard for the value of human life.

Then came the feature movie. “The Martian.”  I won’t give away the story, but the plot is focussed on getting one human being back to Earth from Mars. Other astronauts and scientists at NASA are all giving 200%, working around the clock, to save this one life. In desperation, the US even seeks help from China for the attempted rescue.

In the movie, as the rescue attempt is made, there are shots of masses of people the world over watching on big screens. The effort to bring one lone person back from Mars has captivated the world. Needless to say, the people in the theater are on the edge of their seats as well.

What I found puzzling was that the previews were filled with violence aimed at killing, taking life. And then we watch “The Martian” about the world mobilized to save one life. The popularity of the movie, “The Martian,” tells me that we still have the capacity to value a life. To work together for good. To express compassion. And to be united by a common bond as human beings.

This seems to indicate that we still have the capacity for peace. Despite the constant killings, bombings, shootings, and war that we hear about each and every day, we have not completely lost the heart to value a life, as precious, mysterious, and sacred.

This leads me to believe that peace may still be possible.

Take a moment to think about something you have experienced recently that indicates to you that peace is still possible in this world.

Prayer: May I remember that each and every person is created in the image of God. May I value every life as God does. May I live today in a way that honors the sacredness of each person I come in contact with. This is how Jesus lived. This is how I want to live. Amen.

In the beginning, God –

Our holy writings begin with stories that give an account of the creation of the cosmos. We are told of water brooded over by wind. From this roiling darkness emerges day and night, in a repeating pattern. Land and sea, skies and rain, sun and stars emerge. And, finally LIFE! Swarming, swimming, flying, walking, creeping, multiplying. A profusion of diversity, adapting and interacting, pulsing with pattens and cycles.

From the beginning, creation is dynamic and vibrant. It is an expression of passion and energy. Creation is not static, still, and unchanging. It is throbbing. Like our bodies which have thousands of ongoing biological processes taking place simultaneously with little conscious input from us, so creation is like a huge, dynamic organism with untold processes taking place.

As we think about wonder-full peace this Advent season, we remember that peace is a dynamic, passionate, energetic convergence of processes and people. Peace is not when everything stops. Stands still. Dead. It is when everything is alive in a dynamic, vibrant living, flourishing whole.

Take a moment to think about when you have witnessed the dynamism of peace.

Prayer: May I remember that since the beginning, creation is a vast, wild, living expression of Divine peace. This day, may I notice signs of the thriving cosmos that point to dynamic peace. May our souls magnify God for God has done great things! Amen.