On Sunday, August 6, 2000, seven people gathered for our weekly prayer vigil. The week before, on the eve of the Republican Convention, we had shared the space with two other groups, with many park rangers and various reporters and photographers milling around, and groups of policemen on foot, horse, and bicycles in the vicinity. The thirty-two Friends who had joined together for the vigil had brought a strong sense of collected energy to the prayer that sunny day. This day seemed much more gentle by contrast. Clouds seemed to threaten rain throughout the vigil, but the rain didn't begin to fall until the end of the hour. A first-time participant, Alix Berenzy of Benton, PA, had been a bit apprehensive about attending, but declared the vigil to be an especially peaceful experience.
Linda Laskowski of Chestnut Hill meeting wrote the following report:
Facing the imminent rainfall, I earnestly sought out the faces of passersby. Silence not being my forte, I was sure to touch a heart if I could at least catch an eye. Through my locking gaze I would emote the love I felt and the joy I experience because I know that peace is possible. I caught a few cautious glimpses, shared my smiles earnestly. I felt like I was trying to convey that we were not fanatics, but a loving group of people who are trying to show others that we believe that peace is possible. When I witness I want to remind others that their own hope for peace is righteous and needs to be witnessed by others, and that witnessing is a strong force.
I covered the 'T' on my sign that said "THERE IS A WAY TO PEACE," and then it read, "HERE IS A WAY TO PEACE!" This is a gently proactive way to peace. Our witnessing starts to fill in the despairing void left by the actions of others who choose violent resolutions. We fill it with hope. We are developing an atmosphere of hope. We are willing to share our hope. Spreading the hope — the belief — that peace is the answer. Peace is the way to live these lives of ours better. In peace we speak to that of God in each other. This environment of hope is the fertile ground where peace can grow.
People need this. When they walk by they read our signs. And not just one! They read almost every sign. I was wondering why. Why did they keep reading once they knew what we were doing there? A sign or two would tell them, but no, they read them all. Are they seeking something to connect to? Or, do they look for something to disagree with? Maybe they are looking for some further action to take or direction.
There was one man, toward the end of the vigil, who read a few of our signs. He then looked right into our eyes saying that peace was not possible in this world, accusing us of knowing so. I hold him in the light of God's love that one day some vigil or person or situation will allow him to find a way to the joy of experiencing hope. I pray that he will be blessed with the certainty — the knowledge — that peace is possible, and that it is within his power to help make it reality.
Close your eyes now, and join together for a moment in the light of God's love. Imagine peace with me.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON THE
Independence Mall Vigil for PeacePlease join us at our weekly prayer vigils for peace in the world, held in front of the Liberty Bell on Market St. between 5th and 6th, every Sunday from 4 to 5 PM. For more information, contact cityquake@aol.com.
In our reports, participants share their experiences of the prayer vigils and explore beliefs related to their participation. Reports reflect the experience of each author and do not necessarily represent the beliefs or practice of all vigil participants. We welcome your responses, which are forwarded to the individual authors (when possible). We sometimes include part of a response in a future report, unless you ask us not to.
It is meaningful to us that you share in the vigils by reading these reports and in other ways, such as joining us in prayer.
Last modified: Wednesday, February 18, 2004 at 08:18 AM