By Joelle Wight, president of seventy, director of Temple Ministries

For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we had been eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received honor and glory from God the Father when that voice was conveyed to him by the Majestic Glory, saying, "This is my Son, my Beloved, with whom I am well pleased." We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven, while we were with him on the holy mountain. So we have the prophetic message more fully confirmed. You will do well to be attentive to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.

I recently read a novel based on true events surrounding World War II. It follows three women whose lives unexpectedly intersect. One of them, Hannah, a German Jew, has fled to Paris in 1936. She works at the Library of Burned Books, which preserves copies of books the Nazis tried to erase in the pre-war book burnings in Berlin. The book burnings were meant to silence dissent, but the library ensures those voices remain.

One day, as she reshelves books, Hannah wonders aloud if their quiet resistance makes any difference. The library’s president responds: It matters. It tells the Nazis that not everyone agrees with them. It calls their actions what they are—evil. It reminds them that theirs is not the only voice in the world. In essence, the library president is reminding Hannah that even if it seems futile, they must bring witness, both to what is happening and the alternative that could be.

Like Hannah, we live in a world plagued with violence and hate. People dehumanize and oppress one another and justify their actions with false gospel interpretations. In the midst of such atrocities, any of our acts of resistance might seem futile. And yet, we are called as a prophetic people to respond, to bring witness to what is happening and also to the alternative that could be. When we see injustice and proclaim Christ’s peace, we are saying to those who perpetuate unjust systems that they are not the only voice in the world. We are saying that God’s preferred future is still possible, and we are committed to working toward it.

Let us, like Hannah, not grow weary in bringing witness. Even the smallest acts of resistance—of truth-telling, of love, of peace—matter. They remind the world that injustice is not the final word and that a different way is always possible.

Prayer Phrase

“We love because God first loved us” (1 John 4:19).

Sea of Light

Quiet and center yourself. Ask for God’s healing and guidance as you enter this time of prayerful presence. Close your eyes, breathing deeply and calmly. Imagine that you are floating in a beautiful sea of light that rises and falls with each cycle of your breath. The golden light of this sea buoys you up, so you float effortlessly. Waves of light carry and wash over you, bringing wholeness and peace. Rest in the sea of God’s love, then offer a prayer of gratitude.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.