Peace by Jude Gosselin

We talk about it. We include a sign of it in the liturgy. Peace on earth, goodwill to all. So what?

Peace is not a wistful thought or a dreamy ideal. It is something that needs to be worked at and even fought for.

In our everyday relationships we need to work at peace by speaking positively about those around us, by encouraging those facing hard hard times and lovingly calling back those that have been consumed by their passions and egos. I think that too often will balk at the effort needed to truly create peace.

In our whole human family we need to work at peace by honestly examining our own behaviours and values. How do our choices impact our community? In this time of Christmas blessings we can create peace in our land by working for justice. Did the person who made your shirt get a fair wage? The plantation workers where you fruit was grown... are the workers there treated with true human dignity?

Injustices like these represent a true and present impediment for peace.

After all Jesus said blessed are the Peacemakers.