ELUSIVE PEACE

John 14:27

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.”

In our modern times, the word “peace” is an overused or even, an overabused word. Well, it is not bad to talk about peace always since everyone yearns for it. We have seen Gandhi and the Dalai Lama espousing peace in their own territories, choosing death and living in exile in order to, one day, achieve peace. But we also have the warmongers of the first world countries, sending fears down our spines to justify wars. For they believe that war is a solution in achieving peace.

Lately, there has been really a lot of talk of and about “peace”. But I doubt people have even taken the time to define what they think “peace” is. After all, if you look up “peace” you are likely to find at least five, if not twenty-five different definitions of the word—everything from “agreements to end hostility” to “silence.” Attaining world peace, as some beauty pageant contestants would aspire for, has been a challenge before and still a challenge today.

For it should always start from each one of us. We cannot expect peace if we cannot give peace. Jesus has given us this peace – peace of mind, peace at heart, inner peace. Jesus Christ is our peace, and in his death and resurrection, he gives God's peace to our world. Because we have been gifted with God's peace in the risen Christ, we are called to our own peace and to the making of peace in our world. As disciples and as children of God it is our task to seek for ways in which to make the forgiveness, justice and mercy, and love of God visible in a world where violence and enmity are too often the norm. Make peace the norm, then share that with others.

Almighty Father, God of Peace, forgive us our indifference and stamp out the prejudices that lead to hatred. Fill us with the reconciling spirit of your presence. Help us bring about mutual affection and understanding between us. Grant us Your peace, forgiveness and blessings through the same Christ, our Lord.

Amen +

“One sky, one beginning, one future, one destiny.
One broken heart, one earth, one mother. One God.”

“First keep the peace within yourself, then you can also bring peace to others.” – Thomas Kempis (writer, 1380-1471)