A Promise to Fulfill

Friends,

I’ve always appreciated the phrase “a promise to fulfill.” It was a memorable phrase in my college's alma mater, and it is probably the theme of many of the graduation addresses this weekend. And I think those words should be included in a new national anthem that would remind us of the unfulfilled promises and ideals in our founding documents that promised to honor the “self evident truth” that we are created equal with “unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” Although all these are still unfulfilled promises and subject to years of interpretation, they continue stand for an honorable foundation to establish our moral grounding for the U.S., no matter how off base we are, or will become.

However, his evening I want to acknowledge another founding document and its "promises to fulfill," the yet unfulfilled promises that inspire and guide the United Nations. Today, May 16, the United Nations is celebrating the International Day of Living Together in Peace that attempts to refresh those promises. (See link below.) Amidst the complexities of administering a multi-national organization and their leaders, and with notably strong opposition and resistance from the U.S. and Russia, among others, it continues to be a beacon of hope and support for millions across the world. Its charter states its intention is "to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war; to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights and the dignity and worth of the human person; and to establish conditions under which justice and respect for the obligation arising from treaties and other sources of international law.” These are also powerful and hopeful expressions of how the world can best ever achieve peace. 

Today’s designated day for international peace includes the expectation that "every possible method of conflict resolution be applied, that armed force not be used except to protect the common interest, and to use international machinery for the promotion of the economic and social development of all peoples.”

I know this may seem like just a list of wishful thinking and may be seen as far removed from our everyday life. But I am raising my support for the U.N. out of gratitude that the U.N. is a crucial achievement from my generation and offers a framework to build on toward a peaceful world. I am especially grateful that it has continued to exist and is still promoting its “promise to fulfill” through a myriad of humanitarian and peacekeeping programs. Can we imagine a world where the U.N. does not exist? Can we imagine a world where representatives from nations throughout the planet have no place to meet to form a common bond of service and establish, cooperative, working relationships? Fortunately, of course, we have established such a place at the United Nations building in NYC.

One of the major causes of conflict, whether locally or internationally, is ignorance about “the other” that allows for a level of degradation that makes any conflict, especially war, possible. On the positive side, when trusting relationships are formed, cooperation in solving disputes and pooling resources becomes so much more possible. I am always so pleased when trust allows us to really listen with respect and curiosity when we attempt to address differences and truly seek mutual interest to solve problems.

The principles of the U.N. apply to our personal lives as well. Are we aware of methods or places where we can mediate our differences in our families and our lives in general? Do we share “a promise to fulfill” in our families, workplaces, community settings? In the midst of these very troubling and uncertain times that often lack hope, direction and purpose, may we give serious thought to all those opportunities where we can ask ourselves and others what are the “promises we want fulfill” in our own personal lives and in community. And then learn to do so.

Peace,
Tom
International Day of Living Together in Peace, 16 May