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
The hope and desire for peace is a common human longing. It is something we seek in all areas of life.
We are sensitive to the levels of violence reported and experienced in families, communities and between people. The way that these happenings are reported often results in increasing fear and for many a sense of hopelessness. It is hard to know what to say in response to this ongoing reality.
Other signs of conflict are also before us. The global crises in the Middle East, Eastern Europe, Northern Africa and Asia continue without abatement. We are all impacted by these situations.
The International Day of Peace Monday 21 September is a reminder to us to not forget the journey towards peace.
As Christians, we hear the words of Jesus when he says to his disciples: ‘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’.
These words of assurance were given to the disciples when they were facing conflict and turmoil. The outer realities of their lives remained the same. They were not rescued from the tensions that they were living with. Rather they were called to look beyond the circumstances and to find a level of peace that is the gift of the presence of Jesus.
The peace the world gives may be temporary and given without attention to justice or consideration of the impact of conflict on people.
The peace we pray for, that Christ gives is very different. This is a peace that takes hold in our spirit, it influences our actions and attitudes. It is expressed in ways that conflict is overcome, justice is served and the environment renewed.
Every small ‘peace step’ we take is important in the journey of peace.
Rev John Gilmore, NCCA President