Eric Sabelman: Benediction for the peoples of the Earth

This benediction by Eric Sabelman, Quaker representative to Stanford Associated Religions, was delivered in Memorial Church, Stanford on November 11th, 2004 as part of the Envisioning an End to War interfaith service.

BENEDICTION FOR THE PEOPLES OF THE EARTH

We live in an age when we can look at the planet Earth floating like a blue pearl in an ocean of space. We have all seen such an image of Earth - an image sent back from orbit or from a spacecraft on its way to another planet, printed on a flag, a tee-shirt, an advertisement. I invite you to close your eyes and recall that image.

No astronaut who has seen the Earth as a globe surrounded by infinite void has come back to proclaim his pride in the national boundaries that divide our world. Instead, they speak of the oneness of this small world, our only home.

Of all the causes of strife between nations, the one motivation that is ever-present is to defend one's home. Throughout history, tyrants and demagogues have been sure of conquest if only they can convince the people that their homeland is in danger. In war, there is no motivation greater, no loyalty more constant, no courage stronger than evoked by a soldier's ties to his home.

In your mind's eye you see the true home of us all: a fragile blue pearl unmarked by boundaries, nestled in velvet black space.

Let us go from here with that image in our hearts, not just in our eyes.

Let us open our eyes.

Let us open our eyes to the unity of the Earth we live on: the oceans that flow and winds that blow uncaring of the boundaries we set.

Let us open our ears to words that unite us, and reject words that turn us from unity: words that spread hatred of those beyond our borders, words that raise anger and stifle discourse.

Let us offer our hands to those with whom we differ, giving rather than taking, healing rather than wounding.

Let us not conceive of differences as forces driving us apart, but as variations between brothers and sisters in an indivisible family.

Let us not deny the power that resides in us to see true bonds of kinship, to hear words of forgiveness, to offer help unasked for.

Let us not forget that the least of us can be a unifier and a healer; we cannot know the outcome of the smallest step toward peace.

If God there be Who cares about the people of this small blue world, it cannot be intended that we live with our eyes closed.

Let us go with open eyes.

- Eric Sabelman, Quaker representative to Stanford Associated Religions