Violence Versus the Prince of Peace

On September 11th, 2001, 24 years ago today, the United States witnessed a new type of violence that killed innocent civilians and left thousands of families permanently scarred with the loss of loved ones. 

Yesterday, two high profile shootings blanketed the news: a political assassination and a school shooting. So far in 2025 there have been 47 school shootings, killing 19 people, and yesterday's assassination is the second political assassination in 2025. Stories of the military being deployed to US cities, escalating violence in war-torn regions around the world, and drone attacks have dominated the news. I'm sure many of us are asking "how are we to respond to what seems like a huge increase in violence?"

I am reminded of Jesus' most clear response to violence, when he witnessed Peter drawing his sword and cutting off a man's ear to stop Roman soldiers from capturing Jesus. He said, "Put your sword back into its sheath." Jesus does not respond to violence by calling for more violence, but by calling us to put away our swords. He didn't come to create a military revolution, despite hundreds of years of violence done in the name of Christ. His ministry has certainly caused division ( "I have not come to bring peace, but a sword"), but his intention was always for peace and reconciliation.

We never forget September 11th, 2001 because we (and most of the world with us) were struck numb with horror at the unspeakable loss of life. Because we should work against all forms of violence remembering that we look forward to the time when "people will come from east and west, from north and south, and take their places at the banquet in the kingdom of God." Because the way to reconcile differences is not with force, but with discussion, relationship, voting, legislation, protest, and other nonviolent means of conflict and problem-solving.

Working towards true peace begins with each of us. It begins with not calling for the deaths of others. With seeking nonviolent paths towards reconciliation. It begins with standing up for victims of violence whether shootings, assassinations, assault, abuse, murder, or war. It is incumbent upon us to turn away from extremism and towards dialogue, even with those with whom we disagree. The connection between extremism and violence is unmistakable (though certainly not all violence results from extremism). Extremism moves us further from the kingdom (and the kin-dom!) of God. One day, we hope, all nations will come to God and live together in harmony (See Micah 4, Isaiah 11), which is a movement away from extremism and towards reconciliation. Demonizing entire groups of people, encouraging violence, and glorifying hatred and division bring us further from God, not closer.

Jesus, the Prince of Peace, tells us that peacemakers are blessed. May our words, our social media posts, and all our actions reflect our desire for peace - not only on September 11th, but every day.

Rev. Alex Becker