A sower went out to sow....

In the Scriptures peace is always much more than a cessation of hostilities or an absence of war.  It is a right relationship with God and with others – with others because with God.  In this picture, there is no peace if there is no peace with God.  But we often settle for less, calling it peace: if we are not actually fighting we say we are at peace.  We always say that war “breaks out,” implying it was always there, dormant, within us, just waiting to cross over into action.  Why not talk about peace breaking out?  Of course it can only break out if it is first within us.  But it is.  “Peace I leave with you,” Jesus said, “My peace I give to you.”

The Jews say, “Shalom!” – which means - “Peace!”  This fine greeting too can become superficial unless we see some depth of God in it.  It was not just a vague wish for the other person, “Don’t worry, be happy!”  It was a prayer for full harmony with God – for salvation.  If you read Numbers 6:22-26 you will find the original text in which Jews were told to greet and bless one another with ‘Peace’:  “Thus you shall bless the Israelites: You shall say to them, ‘The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace” (Numbers 6:22-26).  This is a wonderful blessing, worth learning by heart, and using bravely on special occasions, instead of “Good luck!”  It is a prayer for “the peace that the world cannot give.”

World peace begins in each heart. It has certain prerequisites:

A still and quiet conscience arising from the knowledge that one has been true to self and to God.

Working for justice, therefore one knows that all are given what is due to them as human beings.

Seeking God’s will, hence one has no fear about the future, and about eternity.

Love, therefore one can forego and transcend even the most unpleasant realities.

Not just being a peace-lover, but being a peacemaker, and a peace-giver, therefore one lives out what is celebrated in the Eucharist where we great each other “Peace be with you.”

Recognizing God’s presence in each person.

[Tuesday 5th week of Easter]