Yesterday was World Peace Day. Ironically it also coincided with the Feast of St. Matthew the Evangelist, in the Roman Catholic and Anglican Churches. What is peace? The Latin word for peace is pax, thus we get la paz in Spanish. Peace is defined as a state prevailing during the absence of war, harmonious relations, freedom from disputes, the general security of public places and a treaty to cease hostilities.
But do we really have peace? I don't mean peace on earth and goodwill to all men. I'm talking about peace of mind, peace in your home and peace among your neighbors and colleagues. In 21st century living we are constantly on the go. We are bombarded by email, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, work, school, the kids, the spouse or insignificant other, and our social lives. Got Peace? Before we can even ask do we have peace, we have to determine if we want peace. Want peace?
In most churches we pass the peace of God to each other right before Mass or the Holy Communion, as a sign that we are walking in love and charity with our neigbors. In most non-liturgical based denominations, the peace is passed every Sunday by a simple hug or handshake. One of my favorite Christmas carols is "Let there be peace on earth." This song invokes or calls for peace, but the writer of the song took it a step further and said; Let peace begin with me. That is so powerful.
As an instrument of peace you have the potential to call order out of chaos, you can bring light and love to the dark places of this cruel and hateful world. One of my favorite passages from the New Testament comes from John 14. My grandmother used to quote the first part of this chapter when distressed or in bleak situations. In this chapter Jesus is speaking with his disciples, St. Matthew being in the group somewhere. He said to them "Let not your hearts be troubled." However near the end of that same chapter, Jesus left us a bequest of peace saying, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." Got Peace?
Pax,
Karsten
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