So many human conflicts arise because of possessiveness. We cry, "Mine!" and muscle others out of the way. Nations go to war because they want the same piece of territory or resource. Lot and Abram defuse a potential conflict by letting go - they both trust that God will provide for them, so each lets the other choose where he will go. We would all be much happier if we could loosen our grip on everything and be open-handed and willing to compromise. Our generosity and trust would surely be rewarded. God will not allow the peacemaker to be put to shame.

The Golden Rule is common to all the religions of the world. If we only lived by that rule, the world would be a far better place. But it seems like foolishness to many, along with the other beautiful things that Jesus gives us in the Sermon on the Mount. To speak of forgiveness, integrity, non-violence, and peacemaking can be like throwing pearls in front of pigs - they aren't appreciated and can even be trampled on! These principles are the narrow gate that leads to God's Kingdom. Many prefer the well-traveled road that leads to more human misery. But we are invited to enter that narrow gate by living the principles that we are given in Matthew's Gospel. We will be transformed, and so will the world. We have the tools to make a difference, let us use them daily and in every situation.