The Peace of Christ

Peace, by definition, means freedom from disturbance or tranquility. As we look around us, can we say that we live in a peaceful world? Sadly, our answers might tend towards the negative. The work for peace in today’s world is an uphill battle. What situations in our country and the world do you think serve as obstacles to experiencing peace?

Read:

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27

“Peace be with you." John 20:19

Peace is something we all seek and long for. Jesus Himself desired peace for His people. Peter and Paul in all their letters started with a greeting of peace. Peace is a characteristic of the Trinity’s work in the lives of people. God has called us to peace, and it is a fruit of the Holy Spirit.

What is peace? It is Shalom! The scriptural context of peace is not just the absence of war, but the condition of being in a right relationship with God, self and others.

The most important aspect of peace is being in right relationship with God. Original sin separated us from God; thus, we need to be reconciled and restored to our status as His children. In Colossians 1:20, “…and through him to reconcile all things for him, making peace by the blood of his cross [through him], whether those on earth or those in heaven.”

Remember that peace is a free gift of God. From the lips of Christ he says, “Your faith has saved you, go in peace!”

The second aspect of peace is peace with self. Many people today experience emotional problems arising out of guilt feelings, insecurities etc. When we are consumed with these, we are not living in the dignity as sons and daughters of God. This is not God’s will! We have to come to Jesus and invite the peace of Christ to control our hearts.

Lastly, the third aspect of peace is being in right relationship with others. Strive for peace with everyone. Do good, be just and let us live out our call to be salt of the earth. It’s not just about refraining from evil but we need to practice justice – i.e., giving to God and to others what is due. When we give everyone what is their due, then we will experience harmonious relationships in this world.

Beyond doing good and being just, we need to be the salt of the earth! We need to affect our environment as such that we give it flavor and spice up people’s lives, and that we help preserve them from the decay of the world.

How do become the salt of the earth and propagate peace in the world? By working for the spread of God’s Kingdom. This is all about evangelization. This is the proclamation of the Gospel, which is a Gospel of Peace. As more and more people accept Jesus as their Savior and Lord, then there will be more and more people at peace with God, with themselves and with others.

For discussion, answer the following questions:

1. How peaceful am I today? Am I living in the peace of Christ?

2. Looking at my life, are there things that trouble me which threatens to take away of diminish my peace?

Let us ask for the gift of peace to reign in our hearts and in the lives of our families and loved ones. As we come face to face with all the things that trouble us and makes us afraid, let us remember to approach Jesus in humility who will provide us for every grace we need.

Make a visit to the Blessed Sacrament in the coming days (online or otherwise), and spend time in adoration and pray for the gift of peace. End the adoration by praying the Serenity Prayer written by Reinhold Niebuhr, “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference. Amen.”