Each year we recollect the past. Those times when our own and other countries were focused upon war, when so many people died, arguably needlessly. I have direct experience of warfare: of flying on AWACS aircraft in support of Bosnia and Kosovo; on C-130 Hercules aircraft mainly delivering body bags; and calculating/analysing weapon release points in Kuwait (2003). Can I see the enemy as my neighbour?
Can I see the Yugoslavian (enemy) pilot killed on 4 May 1999, and my mates killed in 2003, as my neighbour?
I recall those mates I have lost, who were killed overheard Baghdad, some as they returned to Kuwait from Iraq. Each year it brings me to tears. And still war continues.
In recent weeks Churches have been reading about the greatest commandments (two of the 613) which speak of loving your neighbour. It’s been a time when we ponder whom is our neighbour. In the Greek the word would refer to the associate, not directly to the person next door to us.
Can we see Christ in the other, regardless of their colour, sexuality, nationality, creed or faith?
That last criteria is possibly the most contentious, but if God made us in God’s image (Genesis 1:26-27) then as Christians, surely Christ is in every person?
As America reels from its bipartisan elections, and with a considerable period of unrest possibly still to come, there’s that Commandment staring us in the face: love one another.
As the turbulent atmosphere whips up ever increasing ferocious storms, Hurricane Eta for example, then who is our neighbour?
Can I see the Yugoslavian (enemy) pilot killed on 4 May 1999, and my mates killed in 2003, as my neighbour?
War is not a motive for popularism, nor a proven way of resolving diplomatic issues. When will we listen …
