n e w c h u r c h l i f e : j u ly / au g u s t 2 0 1 3
We associate peace with the end of war, or conflict on any level. To know
peace is to have known strife. Peace is attainable but elusive and never seems
to last. That’s because what we really yearn for is the spiritual peace that is not
to be found in peace-of-mind literature or meditation. Such resources surely
help in the pursuit, but only if our focus is on regeneration.
Both the process and the promise are beautifully portrayed in Revelation
7: 14-17:
These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes
and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. . . . They shall hunger no more,
neither thirst anymore . . . for the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall
feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe
away all tears from their eyes.
There is no way, of course, to wash robes in blood and make them white.
But we know that blood represents the truth of the Lord and that is what
purifies us through the spiritual washing of regeneration. This is the journey
of seeking peace and pursuing it – enduring and combatting temptation, and
achieving victory only when we let the Lord lead.
His peace is what helps us to shun the evils and endure the frustrations,
and offers us a sense of inner serenity for the struggle. The pursuit of peace is
like the “pursuit of happiness” that is linked with life and liberty as inalienable
rights in America’s Declaration of Independence. It is the pursuit of a lifetime
that brings with it a feeling of contentment – peace of mind – that lets us know
something of real peace and happiness.
It is our commitment to regeneration, and learning to love and trust the
Lord, that help us to seek, pursue and finally find true peace:
Those who trust in the Divine, though concerned about the morrow, yet are
unconcerned, in that they are not anxious, let alone worried. They remain eventempered whether or not they realize their desires, and they do not grieve over loss;
they are content with their lot. They know that for those who trust in the Divine all
things are moving toward an everlasting state of happiness, and that no matter what
happens at any time to them, it contributes to that state. (Arcana Coelestia 8478.3)
The peace of heaven to which we all aspire may be “ineffable” in this world
but we know enough of the promise to welcome the reminder of the Academy
Seniors’ banner to keep seeking and keep pursuing. New Church education
– as it continues throughout our lives – is the best foundation for the search.
The angels, of course, know this peace, but also know that it is never an end in
itself. The peace of heaven is actually an inner quality from the Lord that serves
and enriches a life of use. This is the peace that is promised in the New Church
descending from heaven – “the peace that passeth understanding.” “And of its
increase there shall be no end.”
(BMH)
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