Peace and Blessings
Peace. What is peace? We talk of a time of war and peace time. What do we call peace, then? Is peace just a time when there is no war? In my experience, when there is no overt war, there is just the illusion of peace. After World War I, there were countries that were still in an upheaval because they had lost the war, and they had leaders who were trying to build up their armed forces in order to be able to win the next one. Is that peace? After World War II, there was upheaval in the Middle East over the promise to give the Jewish people a homeland. In the 1950's there was the Korean conflict. Then the war in Vietnam and the unrest in Afghanistan, the Balkans, and the Middle East continue to today. And I'm not even including some of the other conflicts. When has the world ever been without warfare somewhere? So, what is peace? I remember the "Peace Sign" that the so-called hippies of the seventies gave one another. They often sought peace with drugs and careless sex. Was that peace? The peace that Jesus gives us is the peace of heart that comes from knowing that whatever happens here on earth, this is not the end. There is a place prepared for us from the foundation of the world where we will have eternal peace. This is the peace that was gained for us by Jesus, our Redeemer, and our Savior. We can only have this peace by accepting the gift and living a life of love and fidelity. This peace cannot be taken away from us. It survives war and tragedy. This peace gives us the hope that sustains us through it all. This is the Peace of Christ.
In reflecting on peace, I’ve come to realize it’s much more than just the absence of conflict or war. History shows us that even during peacetime, many places in the world experience unrest and uncertainty, suggesting that external calm is often only surface-level. True peace, to me, involves a deep inner calm that remains steadfast regardless of external circumstances. Personally, the idea of the peace Jesus offers resonates deeply. It’s a peace rooted in hope and trust—an assurance that surpasses any worldly conflict or hardship. In moments of stress or when surrounded by chaos, I find comfort in knowing that this peace is not dependent on my environment but on a spiritual foundation. This kind of peace nurtures resilience, helping me face difficulties without losing heart. The peace sign from the 1970s, often associated with temporary or misguided attempts at peace through external means, contrasts sharply with the enduring peace that faith can cultivate. True peace requires intentional living—embracing love, forgiveness, and fidelity—not just fleeting moments of pleasure or political calm. Moreover, recognizing peace as a continuous process rather than a fixed state helps me appreciate the everyday efforts needed to maintain harmony within myself and with others. Acts of kindness, patience, and understanding contribute to building peace in our communities, reflecting the larger peace promised in spiritual teachings. Ultimately, peace is a journey inward and outward. It’s a blessing that sustains and uplifts us through every challenge, reminding us that even when the world is turbulent, we can experience a profound and lasting calm through faith and purposeful living.
