Mags GarganDear Editor, A recent article by Mary Kenny (IC August 14) discusses the just war theory of Thomas Aquinas and implores the prudence of our leaders about when to put it into practice.
In such matters why don’t we refer such questions directly to Jesus himself? In one of the most solemn moments of his life before he was condemned to death, he told Pilate “Mine is not a kingdom of this world; if my kingdom were of this world, my men would have fought to prevent my being surrendered to the Jews. As it is, my kingdom does not belong here” (John 18:36). In the next verse Jesus gives significance to the non-violence that has been a running theme in his preaching from the beginning, most notably in the Sermon on the Mount: “I was born for this, I came into the world for this, to bear witness to the truth; and all who are on the side of truth listen to my voice.”
As Christians we must make every effort to try and associate every area of our lives with Jesus’ words and example – in times of peace and in times of strife. A person once said that the sword is the Cross turned upside down.
Yours etc.,
Fr Morty O’Shea,
Kenmare,
Co. Kerry.