There was a time when, like Iraq today, Northern Ireland was being written off as beyond hope. The Catholics were fighting the Protestants on every street corner and in the middle of the block, too. They tell a story of a Jew caught in the crossfire who ducked into in the nearest pub for safety's sake. Sighing with relief, he was having a pint of bitters when he felt the cold muzzle of a .38 against his throbbing temple.
"Are ye a Catholic or a Protestant?" an iron-cold voice inquired. "Neither," he replied. "I'm a Jew." For once it was good not to be the target of the mob. "Aye," said the voice of doom, "but are ye a Catholic Jew or a Protestant Jew?"
Happily, those times seem long past now in Northern Ireland, and the warring parties there have been succeeded by fanatics of different persuasions around the globe--from ISIS in Iraq to Russian troops in mufti as they seize Crimea and slice away at Ukrainian territory further east.
The lesson of all these crazy-quilt identities and quick-change artists? Never give up hope. Peace has a way of surfacing in the most unlikely places--if only a saving remnant will keep striving for it. Who says so? An authority far more lasting than today's headlines. If the patient reader will forgive this very free translation:
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be fulfilled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
And, finally, blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the sons of God.
Editorial on 01/24/2017