This period, the season of Lent, I have chosen to fast, to fast from watching, reading, or hearing about the news. Those of you who know me well will know that I am someone who always wants to know everything that is going on - and know it as soon as it happens. I have been active in political matters ever since my first opportunity to vote, when I turned 21, back in 1960. And now, since we have national and world affairs tumbling with newsy chaos almost every day, it is harder than ever for me to do this.

     But - why? 
    The reason is that I wanted to give myself some peace of mind for these few weeks, peace of mind focused on the life of Jesus, on the marvelous grace of God, and to let the Holy Spirit lead me in times of prayer. All of that may sound supercilious to some of you. I know this is a time for all good citizens to take part in the virtuous act of doing something. I will be fully engaged, again, I can assure you, after my period of fasting is over.
    But at the same time, as much as chaos knocks on the door every day, I want to be a person of peace, to nourish that peace that passes all understanding. The Bruderhof Community often inspires me. They posted an insightful piece on their website (bruderhof.com) recently, and among its paragraphs, these words:
        What does it mean to be peacemakers? Jesus instructed us: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, pray for those who persecute you, and forgive as you need to be forgiven. He taught: Do not resist those who mistreat you, but allow yourself to be struck again rather than to strike back. He rejected political power when it was offered to him, and he refused to defend himself with force, rather letting himself be killed. We must do the same.
    I will be pondering these tough words, based on Jesus’ sayings in Matthew chapter five. I commend the whole article which you can find under bruderhof.com, titled “Our Calling.” You may guess that this Bruderhof community is a part of the historic pacifist Anabaptist movement. 
    Since we seem to be tumbling into discordant times, wars, and civil unrest, uncivil government, with people posting insults toward one another constantly, I am trying to be a person of peace.
    Please pray for me.    
    
                                                                                                         © 2026 Stanley Hagemeyer