Both of my grandfathers fought in the trenches of the first World War. In the second, my Mum was in the Land Army, my Dad in the RAF. I grew up aware of Vietnam and Northern Ireland. Then there was the horror of the Falklands, the Balkans, Afghanistan and Iraq. And now, with ongoing fighting in Ukraine and continuing devastation in Gaza, and with its resemblance to arguments about Iraq’s ‘weapons of mass destruction’ (or ‘distraction’ as it turned out), there is a new war.
It is far easier to start a war than to end it. History shows us that a ‘quick war’ is a very rare thing especially when there are those hell bent on creating a living hell.
As the poet, Steve Turner put it, ‘History repeats itself. Has to. No one listens.’
Blessed are the peacemakers.
Blessed are the ones who prefer ‘jaw-jaw’ to ‘war-war’.
Blessed are the hospital workers as their life-saving equipment and supplies are destroyed.
Blessed are the ambulance drivers, firefighters and relief agency workers.
Blessed are the ones providing safety in underground shelters and railway stations.
Blessed are the airport workers who remain in place to help others escape.
Blessed are the bare hands which move rubble to save the living and the dead.
Blessed are the feet which travel bringing food and water.
Blessed are the arms which hug and the hearts which love.
Blessed are the peacemakers.
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