War, war, war!
War all around us.
“Kill the terrorist bastards!”
“Love one another as I have loved you.”
Forgive your enemies
And pray for those who persecute you.”

The violence of oppression and exploitation
Permeate the culture of death.
Greed and domination rule.
“Love one another as I have loved you.”
Forgive your enemies
And pray for those who persecute you.”

War from time immemorial.
War yesterday, today and tomorrow.
War, war, war!
“Love one another as I have loved you.”
Forgive your enemies
And pray for those who persecute you.”

Israelis killing Palestinians.
Americans killing Iraqis.
Loyalists killing Republicans.
“Love one another as I have loved you.”
Forgive your enemies
And pray for those who persecute you.”

Palestinians killing Israelis.
Iraqis killing Americans.
Republicans killing loyalists.
“Love one another as I have loved you.”
Forgive your enemies
And pray for those who persecute you.”

Why, O God, why does violence rage?
Why is there no end to war?
Why does it go on?
“Love one another as I have loved you.”
Forgive your enemies
And pray for those who persecute you.”

Forty thousand will die today of preventable diseases.
Billions will work for less than one dollar
And will go to bed hungry.
Feed the hungry. Give drink to the thirsty.
Shelter the homeless. Clothe the naked.
Visit the sick and imprisoned.

Farm workers labor for pennies.
Corporate executives gross millions.
Children lack food and health care.
Feed the hungry. Give drink to the thirsty.
Shelter the homeless. Clothe the naked.
Visit the sick and imprisoned.

Why, God, why?
When will it all end?
When will we come to our senses?
When will you rule?

Peace, Peace, Peace!
Send forth your Spirit
To lead us and give us hope.
Easter will follow Good Friday.
“I am with you all days.”
“I will send the Paraclete.”
“I will wipe away every tear.”

Come, Lord Jesus.
Be above us, below us
Beside us, within us.
Bring about your justice and peace.
“I am with you all days.”
“I will send the Paraclete.”
“I will wipe away every tear.”

Jesus—
Within us and
All around us.
Our only hope.
Our peace.
Jesus Christ yesterday, today and tomorrow!