LET THE PEOPLE LOVE ONE ANOTHER

For centuries the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) dominated the region we now know as upper New York and Ontario (and Toronto).

They celebrated “The Great Peacemaker,” Deganawida, and his disciple Hiawatha. “Deganawida” (or Tekanawite) means “Two River Currents Flowing Together.” A prophet from the Huron wing of confederacy, his origins (some say as early as 1090- 1150 CE) remain obscure.

When warfare between the people of the five nations was most intense, Tekanawite appeared in one settlement after another, bearing the message of the Longhouse, the Good Message of Great Peace (Gayanashagowa), and the Power of the Good Mind.

The people listened and were impressed, for in their hearts they were tired of the bloodshed. The Great Peace was accepted across North America by all of the native nations.

Though warfare between first nations in various confederacies would resume, the Great Peacemaker was a beacon of hope and peace. In that sense, he paved the way for the reception of the good news of Jesus when it did come.

What was his message?

"Let the people love one another…We are all children of the great Spirit. We are brothers and sisters. Forego and forget your revenge. Let us live in peace."

God is not without witness: “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.” Romans 1:20.

'Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbour as yourself. I am the LORD. Leviticus 19:18

Blessed are the Peacemakers for they shall be called children of God.” Matthew 5:9

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. John 13:34

The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Romans 8:16

One life, with each other, sisters, brothers. “One” by U2