Posted by The WORD in other words (2006) by Father Gerry Donato SVD – Christ the King Seminary, Quezon City
Tuesday 5th Week of Easter
Image source : Wikimedia Commons / Dove of Peace presented at UN by Pope John Paul II in 1979
Introduction
I once read a story about children in a troubled country playing “war games” with toy guns. A stranger passing by suggested they play a “peace game” instead. The children were puzzled and asked, “How do you play peace game?”
This simple question captures the challenge of our time. Peace is the deepest need of every person, every nation, and every church. It is easy to spell, easy to pronounce, easy to preach — but hard to practice, hard to live, and hard to achieve. Many who worked for peace were misunderstood, persecuted, and even killed.
Jesus, the Prince of Peace
The message of peace was central to the life of our Lord Jesus. Isaiah called Him “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). In today’s Gospel, He says: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you” (John 14:27).
Jesus didn’t only preach peace — He lived it.
- To the sinner, He gave peace through forgiveness (Luke 7:48–50).
- To the sick, He gave peace through healing (Mark 5:34).
- To the poor, He gave peace through His presence and hope (Luke 4:18).
- To His executioners, He prayed for their forgiveness (Luke 23:34).
What is Peace?
Peace is not merely the absence of war or hatred. St. Augustine described peace as:
- Serenity of the mind — letting Jesus take control of our thoughts, fears, and worries (Philippians 4:7).
- Simplicity of the heart — being content with what we have as gifts from God (1 Timothy 6:6).
- Tranquility of the soul — being reconciled with God and others (Romans 5:1).
Conclusion
Is this the state of our life today? If not, it is time to turn to God and pray the words we hear at every Mass: “Lord Jesus Christ, you said to your apostles: Peace I leave you, my peace I give you. Look not on our sins, but on the faith of your Church, and grant us the peace and unity of your kingdom.”
Peace is not a game — it is a gift, a calling, and a way of life.
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