CPCU Concert Readings

From the writings of Hungarian composer, Zoltán Kodály…

It is not worth singing for ourselves; it is nicer if two people sing together. Then more people: hundreds, thousands, until the huge Harmony can be heard, in which we can all be just one, indeed. Then will we be able to say: “May the whole world be happy!”

From the teaching of Vietnamese Buddhist monk, Thich Nhat Hanh …

People usually consider walking on water or in thin air a miracle. But I think the real miracle is not to walk either on water or in thin air, but to walk on earth. Every day we are engaged in a miracle which we don't even recognize: a blue sky, white clouds, green leaves, the black, curious eyes of a child — our own two eyes. All is a miracle.

From Nobel-prize-winning American novelist, Pearl S. Buck…

I feel no need for any other faith than my faith in the kindness of human beings. I am so absorbed in the wonder of earth and the life upon it that I cannot think of heaven and angels.

From humanitarian and Nobel Peace Prize recipient, Mother Theresa…

There is much suffering in the world — physical, material, mental. The suffering of some can be blamed on the greed of others. The material and physical suffering is suffering from hunger, from homelessness, from all kinds of diseases. But the greatest suffering is being lonely, feeling unloved, having no one. I have come more and more to realize that it is being unwanted that is the worst disease that any human being can ever experience.

From American President Jimmy Carter…

I have one life and one chance to make it count for something... I'm free to choose what that something is, and the something I've chosen is my faith. Now, my faith goes beyond theology and religion and requires considerable work and effort. My faith demands — this is not optional — my faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I am, whenever I can, for as long as I can with whatever I have to try to make a difference.

From American political scientist & diplomat, and the first person of color to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, Dr. Ralph J. Bunche…

Peace is no mere matter of men fighting or not fighting. Peace, to have meaning for many who have known only suffering in both peace and war, must be translated into bread or rice, shelter, health, and education, as well as freedom and human dignity — a steadily better life. If peace is to be secure, long-suffering and long-starved, forgotten peoples of the world, the underprivileged and the undernourished, must begin to realize without delay the promise of a new day and a new life.