Page 4 - Inter Nos 2022-02

or complete wellbeing of a person. When one possesses peace, one is in perfect and assured of
communion with God.

God desires peace for His people (Ps. 35:27). Peace of God is the blessing uttered on God‟s people.
The people of Israel prayed for peace in Jerusalem. God speaks peace upon His people.

His words effect peace. The elements of peace are mentioned in the Bible (Cfr. Lv. 26: 2-13).
Peace goes along with rain, good harvest, no enemy, no aggression, no violence, harmony et al.

Jesus and Peace:
The essential component of peace is righteousness, no righteousness means no peace. The
opposite of peace is hatred, division, vengeance, death and so on. There is no peace as long as wicked
people are there.

Jesus is the prince of peace. Peace is the hymn sang by the angels at his nativity. Peace is
brought by Jesus into the world. He greets his disciples with word of peace after his resurrection. His
brothers are to be the harbingers of peace. They win others with peace. Jesus established peace by
dying on the Cross. The wall of hatred is completely pulverized by the wounds and sufferings of Jesus
(Eph.2).

To establish peace, we need inspiration from St. Francis of Assisi.

He implored the Lord to

„Make me an instrument of your peace,
Where there is hatred let me bring your love‟

Peace is possible:
Peace prevails when one yields, relents. Peace can be established when there is justice,
understanding and brotherhood. Peace can blossom where there is respect, human dignity and sharing.
Peace can be felt when hearts get rid of hatred and vengeance. Peace emerges when one accepts and
forgives others and shows compassion for them. Peace can be fostered when the heart expands with
love to embrace others.

It is very important that we maintain dialogue when rift arises. Negotiation through fruitful
dialogue can bring peace and harmony.

Peace and individual:
Peace must first prevail in one‟s own self. Peace can exist even if there are strifes and
differences. One practices patience and tolerance, he becomes selfless. Whereas when one
experiences conflicts and hurts within oneself, the spirit of revenge and hatred lingers on in him. He
becomes obsessed with the evil desire of destroying the peaceful living in the family. One should
never be discriminated on account of his colour, language, land and so on. There exist thousands of
unknown reasons which create worst conflicts and discrimination.

One can win over the other by an act of charity. One has to learn to do good to someone who
hurts him. The great Valluvar proposes to do good to shame the one who hurts. This virtue can be
practised if we carry in ourselves the heart of Jesus.