TUESDAY, January 5

I serve as a missionary in Sudan, a nation that is still does not know peace. Whenever I return to the United States, someone asks me, "Are you armed over there? Do you carry a gun?" I smile ruefully, for the question saddens me, and reply that I put on the whole armor of God. How can I be a peacemaker if I am armed in any other way?

Some people do not like my answer. They see me as simplistic and naïve. Americans often seem inured to violence, judging by what is depicted in popular culture. For too many, it seems, violence is the only answer. But in a land torn apart by wars, where hatred of others is the norm and real violence takes place daily, it is more important than ever that I eschew guns and trust completely in God's holy armor.

One day, after explaining this to a group of American Christians, a new friend gave me a lapel pin depicting a soldier in ancient Roman attire, surrounded by Paul's words: Put on the whole armor of God. "Here," the friend said, "I think you need this more than I do."

PRAY for the Church of the Province of West Africa and the Diocese of Accra

Ps 2, 110:1-5(6-7) * 29, 98; Jonah 2:2-9; John 11:17-27, 38-44