Why such hatred between rich and poor nations? Between the Arab and Islamic worlds and the West? Why do hatred and violence dominate our age, when every human heart longs for peace? These questions arose in the wake of September 2001. From those moments and uncertainties came Jean Vanier's brief, searching reflection on the roots of peace and war.
Vanier begins with conflict—the first source of tension. He traces it from the largest scale (cultural, political, social divisions) down to the most intimate: struggles within families and within ourselves. Here lies the first knot we must untie to recover freedom and peace.
But this requires profound personal change. We must learn to see and address our conflicts—especially those we harbor within—and rework them with honest awareness.
We need to "break down the barriers" we have built between ourselves and others, between peoples and nations. We must seek dialogue and cooperation with all, without fear that this means betraying our faith or culture. Rather, such encounter deepens and enriches both.
In our dealings with others, polite acceptance is not enough. We need real bonds of friendship. A simple greeting will not do—we must reveal ourselves to the other and truly know them. Building a family or group, even an extended one, is not sufficient. True communion exists only when we commit together to work for peace and justice, opening ourselves ever more to whoever we meet.
As human beings, we have fundamental needs—food, clothing, shelter—that sustain life, and deeper needs that allow us to grow: respect, recognition, tenderness. The first are ensured by law; the second only by love.
We must guarantee these to all who still lack them. Only then, through natural growth, can peace take root in the world.
Growing in this direction demands effort. We risk losing our way, giving up. Misunderstandings and loss may come even from those closest to us—family and old friends who may not understand our path.
So we must prepare ourselves. We need purification, freedom from waste and false wants. "Do not accumulate objects," Vanier tells us. "Accumulate relationships." We must understand our mistakes—past and future alike—forgive ourselves, and learn to ask forgiveness of others.
Only when we reach this inner freedom will we become builders of peace. And what is our reward?
Peace itself—peace in our own hearts, which will make us able to accept all things, including "sister death," which we will then meet as the natural end of life's great adventure. So Jean Vanier assures us.
Tea Cabras, 2004
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