Let us thank God for John Hume – the Reconciler
“Blessed are the peacemakers, they shall be called children of God”, says Matthew 5:9.
Irish history records the quest for justice and freedom from the dominant colonial power, England.
There have been many violent rebellions. However, we also had men and women who have sought for justice in nonviolent ways.
These include Charles Stewart Parnell, Daniel O’Connell, Michael Davitt, and John Hume, RIP.
John was not only a great statesman but a great follower of the non-violent Christ, who advocated the only true way forward. John in his maiden speech at Westminster spoke
of Columba the Reconciler at Drumceat convention of 575AD [he brokered a peace between figures of Ireland and Scotland].
John back then said: “What we need today is another Columba”.
And in many ways John himself was just that – another Columba.
He sacrificed his political career to bring peace to the North.
Thank God for him.
May we have true Christ-like
peace, not just periodic and expedient cease fires.
I offer a prayer:
Lord, we thank you for John. He put your desire for peace
before politics.
As he shares the fullness of true peace with you in heaven, please let your spirit of love pour consolation and comfort on John’s family at this time as you know their grief.
Amen.
Father Neal Carlin, Columba Community of Prayer and Reconciliation, Londonderry