Monday Reflections: Truth and Peace

 “La Verdad antes que la Paz.”
— Miguel de Unamuno

Just recently, I had the opportunity to spend a few days in Salamanca, Spain. One of the opportunities I had was to visit La Universidad de Salamanca. Founded in the 13th century, it is the 4th oldest university in the world. One of its classrooms, still in use, is the paraninfo. This is the room where doctoral degrees are conferred along with other ceremonial events.

It was in that same room when, on October 12, 1936, Miguel de Unamuno, then the rector of the university, delivered a speech against the Franco regime. This was no small act. Salamanca had become headquarters for the Franco army, and the room was filled with generals and other Franco supporters. It is said that the speech ended prematurely. Franco’s wife had to escort Unamuno out of the room for his own safety.

There is no record of what he said. We only have a few notes jotted on a piece of paper. One of the notes reads, “venceréis pero no convenceréis” or “you will win but you will not convince us.” Franco had led a war that became oppressive to all of Spain. As I walked outside the main building, I noticed painted on a wall the quote cited above, “Truth comes before peace,” a testament to Unamuno’s courage on that October 12, 1936.

As many who speak truth to power, I often wonder, where did their courage come from? On a more personal note, I ask myself, if I needed this much courage, where would I find the strength to have it? In the first epistle of the apostle John, the author reflects on the relationship between love and fear. He writes,

 “There is no fear in love but perfect love drives out fear.”

The opposite of love is not hatred. Courage is not the opposite to fear. Love is the opposite to fear and deep love overcomes fear. When I see examples of courage like Unamuno’s I often wonder, in the face of injustice, how much deeper my love needs to grow? My prayer every day is for my love to grow even deeper, so my actions are not limited by fear.

This is our last devotion of the school year. We will return in August with our weekly reflections. Until then, please be assured that I am holding you in my prayers. May God’s love continue to be made perfect in you.

The opposite of love is not hatred. Courage is not the opposite to fear. Love is the opposite to fear and deep love overcomes fear. When I see examples of courage like Miguel de Unamuno’s I often wonder, in the face of injustice, how much deeper my love needs to grow? (Photo by Gallica Digital Library, National Library of France)

Rev. Eduardo Bousson
Senior Manager, Collegiate Ministries
The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry
The United Methodist Church