Unless you've been living in a cave, you are undoubtedly aware of the war in which Israel and Hamas are currently engaged.  By nearly any measure, it's a tragedy, an immense tragedy, a trauma nearly beyond comprehension.  On all sides.

    Although nearly everyone who is taking an interest in the war has an opinion about what its outcome should be, I do not wish to advance mine in this blog.  I instead wish to state two things.  One, peace--of any kind--is complicated.  The Hebrew and Arabic words for peace, shalom and salam, respectively, describe peace as an inner wholeness, a completeness of being, a harmonious integration of mind, body, and heart.  It is this definition that I believe that we must try to fit into the resolution of this conflict.  But it will not be easy.

    Two, as we think about this war, its toll on civilians in particular, let us not forget the plight of civilians trapped in other wars around the world.  In this regard, I think of Ukraine and its struggle against a rapacious Russia.  That notwithstanding, I remember also the thousands of people who have died in the earthquake that recently struck western Afghanistan.  Let us not forget their survivors, either.

    Pray for the planet, pray for its people, pray for God.