Remembering the Pearl Harbor and Prayer for Peace on December 7 @9am

December 7, 1941, the infamous date, when the Japanese attacked the "Pearl Harbor" to weaken the defense in the Pacific with Japan's intent to expand its empire. The history of Pearl Harbor reminds us of the lessons learned that human beings are capable of something terrible, which we can see from the wars happening in the world.  If we look at the dreams of leaders or individuals in isolation and do not see the collective impact of one's action or group's actions, we will succumb to destructive power.   If we analyze the root cause of the attack on Pearl Harbor, we may understand why pride, oil, and power are a dangerous combination.  Japan wanted power, resources, and control.  Pearl Harbor was a strategic position, located in Oahu, Hawaii.  Thereby, the hope of the Japanese troops was to create an offensive attack after being sanctioned economically by the United States due to its violent occupation of China.  Then, it would loosen the western base in the Pacific to make the occupation in the region easier.

As a result of this surprise attack, the aggression killed 2,400 Americans and destroyed the naval vessels, battleships, and other casualties left behind. On December 8, 1941, the United States declared war on Japan.

Any war creates losses.  On the other hand, we know that with Christ, we are reminded that we can live beyond ourselves.  We can be winners when we let go of control, ego, and pride for the sake of another fellow with his right to live and a space to exist peacefully. On December 7 from 9 am-10 am, Pax Christi, in collaboration with Incarnate Word Sisters San Antonio JPIC, will host the morning prayer for peace and light refreshments.  Consequently, December 8 is this year's second week of Advent with a theme of Peace.

Let us not stay silent for the voiceless and powerless.   The world war II did not start overnight.   A series of actions led to it and the sequence of events allowed one door after another for such to occur.  Every human being has a dignity.  Every life is unique and important.  

Let us create a space of prayer for peace in different countries who are at war and those countries who are supporting war in all means that the leaders of all nations and their constituents can put an end to war and violence.  Advocate for non-violence.   We need nature to teach us peace.  Nature shows us that plants grow in diversity and allow time to grow together.

Poem by Contemplation by Dr. Mazin Qumsiyeh about the Palestinian's life and death situation in Gaza and Israel's violent conflict.

thoughts of life and death
past, present, and yet to be
somehow, somewhere, sometime
yearning to understand
the eternal questions
looking to touch the mind of God
so distant
so powerful
so amazing
but hidden within each of us
perhaps all the secrets of life
are there to see

in a handshake

in a smile
in a child's eye
in a single cell
or in a kiss

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