Peace

Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not let them be afraid” (John 14:27).

             Peace is a rare commodity these days. The Television News and other Media outlets are filled with stories: of Wars in Ukraine and Syria; Civil Conflict in nations such as Myanmar and Democratic Republic of Congo; Mass Shootings in many cities; and Domestic Violence within families. Many individuals want something done about this lack of Peace. Diplomats are at work attempting to come up with plans to end conflicts between and within countries. Political leaders advocate for tougher measures against crime or restrictions on certain weapons. Different groups  within Society are trying to stop abusive behaviour. Although these efforts are commendable, it is essential to recognize lasting Peace requires more than Human action because it is beyond our ability to achieve.

            In this passage from John, Jesus tells his Disciples the Peace he gives them differs from that provided by the world. By doing so, he presents a new understanding of Peace and its origin.

            Christ’s forthcoming Passion and Death revealed the world’s conception of peace. Jewish Leaders thought the survival of their nation depended on good relations with the Romans which required the Death of Jesus and so made plans for it. When they brought Christ before Pilate, no specific charge was made and no evidence provided by them. Although Pilate found Jesus guilty of no offence, he allowed the Crucifixion because it pacified the crowd. The method of execution was painful and humiliating, intended as a demonstration of Roman power. Clearly, coercion and fear rather than truth and Justice were the basis of the worldly Peace associated with the Roman and Jewish Authorities. Since the likely response of his Disciples to his Passion and Death was distress and anxiety, Jesus proposed another understanding of Peace which pointed towards the future. When arrested he called for the release of his Disciples. At his trial Christ talked to Pilate about truth. Despite the wickedness he encountered (betrayal, denial, injustice and torture) Jesus never intervened for his own benefit. This suggested a Peace grounded in the knowledge of the Truth and Justice of God’s plan. It was more powerful than any based on coercion and fear. Jesus knew the Cross was not the end of his story. On Easter, his Disciples learned of the reality of a Peace which extended even beyond Death. This Peace was different from that provided by the world because it was infinite and Eternal.

            Within the Modern world, Peace is the absence of conflict. It usually results from a deal made between the disputing parties which sets the terms for Peace and sometimes addresses the causes of the disagreement. Since often there is a power imbalance between the groups making the agreement, the stronger party imposes by force its will on the weaker one when dealing with the source of the dispute. Unless both sides are really satisfied, the situation is more like a truce than genuine Peace because the latter is rooted in Justice and Truth. Catholics and other people of Faith understand this idea. Christ calls his followers to be peacemakers within their families, communities, nations and the world. At a time when polarization exists almost everywhere, this work can be dangerous as both extremes try to pull those in the middle to their side. In addition, examining the root causes of problems and finding solutions based on Justice and Truth, instead of expediency, often provokes a negative response. Yet, Jesus revealed in his Passion and Death that coercion and fear can be overcome by higher ideals. Justice requires giving each individual their due. Truth depends not on the subjective opinion of the powerful but the objective reality of what God has revealed. Genuine Peace begins when each party sees the other the way God does: individuals made in the Divine image whose needs and desires are the same. Disagreements are usually rooted in artificial divisions between groups. Justice and Truth help people recognize this reality. While Sin is something which infects Human thinking and will always exist in this life, it can be identified and remedied. With God’s guidance and Christ’s example, genuine Peace can become more present in families, communities, nations and the world. Although Human effort is required, it is something beyond the ability of individuals and communities to attain on their own and so Divine help is necessary.

            The conflicts in our world result in great suffering and often seem impossible to resolve. Many people feel unable to do anything about them. The world’s approach to Peace may provide a temporary respite but can also sow the seeds for the next conflict. Christ’s approach reminds all people a more lasting Peace is possible but requires a new way of thinking.

May 22, 2022