A few nights ago, I
set that Isaiah passage to music (see video below) and created this English lyric to capture the
prophet’s declaration: “Can you hear the sound, the sound of justice driving
out the hatred, calling off the warning? (There’s) no need to fear the peace
that will surround you.” Forging agreements that will lead to eventual
cooperation and peace may seem difficult when set alongside the perpetuation of
a less-than-perfect status quo. We human beings are, at least sometimes, afraid
of change, even though we know that it is a constant in our lives.
I had the privilege of
helping out with Las Cruces’ Peace Camp on July 21-25. On two days, I took part
in discussions on social justice. I led the song session that concluded the
pro-gram as well (see photo). Peace Camp was like a respite from the current
turmoil of the world, where the children, along with their counselors and
teachers, could practice techniques and strategies for resolving conflict that
would bring people together rather than keeping them at odds with one another.
So much of the work of making peace is about acknowledging one another’s
stories, but focusing more on the future and the benefits that productive
agreements could bring. Evidently, there were talks going on between Israel and
Gaza business leaders over the last few months that might have led to an
increasingly open border and commerce that would have benefited everyone
concerned. Hamas did not approve of those efforts, but those seeds of
partnership may actually be allowed to blossom one day. 
We discussed how to
apply this passage from Micah to our dealings in our congregation and in the
greater community. Intra-congregational dialogue should be based upon mutual
respect for each other’s opinions. There was a feeling that we can, through
such conversations, develop a common understanding of social justice (to “do justly”)
that will serve as a basis for our work as a congregation in the community. We
noted that some local coalitions (I am part of one that includes a wide range
of faith groups that met recently at Sonoma Springs Church next door) are
working on stocking food pantries, serving at El Caldito soup kitchen,
providing beds for families in need, and helping with transportation for
children going to school and for adults who require assistance. Some faith
communities join together in many American cities to deal with immigration
reform, prison reform, civil rights, working for changes that can enable people
to move out of poverty, and dealing with domestic violence and child abuse and
neglect. These issues are linked to many faith traditions, including Judaism,
and can be an expression of religious values in action.
This
conversation was one of many that I hope will en-sue in the coming months. More
and more members can be part of this dialogue to enable us to find out who we
are as a congregation and what we would like to do for each other and for our
neighbors in Las Cruces. May we work together among ourselves and with partners
in our city to ensure the peace and well-being of our children and their
children as well.
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