EDGE: May 3

War & Peace:  Peace in our lives

OBJECTIVE:

To understand the need for true justice in order to obtain peace both globally and personally.

OVERVIEW:

“If you want peace, work for justice” (Pope Paul VI).  Our God is one of true justice and mercy.  We are called to protect and defend human life and the freedoms that are given to us by our heavenly Father.  However, in our world, there are great injustices that cause civil unrest and global confrontations.  The Catholic Church speaks boldly about the need to seek justice to avoid conflicts that threaten life.  War has far-reaching consequences that affect all of humanity:  the killing of innocent civillians, destruction of natural resources and the rise of hatred between the parties involved.  The following points help shape the Church’s teaching regarding our attidtude about war.  They were published in a letter by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB):

1. Catholic teaching begins in every case with a presumption against war and for peaceful settlement of disputes.  In exceptional cases, determined by the moral principles of the just-war tradition, some uses of force are permitted.
2. Every nation has a right and duty to defend itself against unjust aggression.
3. Offensive war of any kind is not morally justifiable.
4. It is never permitted to direct nuclear or conventional weapons to “the indiscriminate destruction of who cities or vast areas with their populations…” (Pastoral Constitution #80).  The intentional killing of innocent civilians or non-combatants is always wrong.
5. Even defensive response to unjust attack can cause destruction which violates the principle of proportionality, going far beyond the limits of legitmate defense.  This judgment is particularly important when assessing planned use of nuclear weapons.  No defensive strategy, nuclear or conventional, which exceeds the limits of proportionality, is morally permissible.

As Catholics, we are called to seek peace.  So what is peace?  The Catechism says that “Peace is not merely the absence of war…peace is ‘the tranquility of order’” (2304).  Pope John Paul II said, “Peace is not just the absence of war.  It involves collaboration and binding agreements.”  Peace is a gift from God, but also a human work.  Peace can be understood in the following ways:

• If we are in right relationship with God, peace comes as a gift from Him.
• Freedom from fear and injustice grants us personal peace.
• Peace is the restoration of ‘right order’ within all of creation.

Peace is a gift from God, but also a human work.  Peace must be built upon justice, respect, freedom and love.  How do we experience peace in our lives?  First, peace requires a relationship with Jesus – the Prince of Peace.  After the darkest moment in human history, the crucifixion of our Lord, Jesus rose from the dead and appeared to his disciples.  His first words to them were, “Peace be with you” (Luke 24: 36).  Jesus has conquered sin and death and offers a peace “which passes all understanding” (Philippians 4:7).  Secondly, the protection of human life and freedom must be present to experience peace.  When the dignity of those around us (our families, friends, neighbors, etc) is respected, peace can be achieved.  The Cahtolic Church says that we encounter unrest when we have brothers and sisters who are suffering.  We are called to work for justice:  “Justice consists in the firm and constant will to give God and neighbor their due” (CCC 1836).  In Galatians 5, St. Paul writes about the fruits of the Spirit.  When we work to defend the dignity and life of all people, we begin to experience, “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (22-23).  Peace is the fruit of justice.

Summary Challenge (Points to Remember):

1. Wars and conflicts begin when people do not respect the dignity, rights and freedoms of other people.
2. John Paul II said it best:  “Peace is not just the absence of war.  It involves mutual respect and confidence between people and nations.”
3. When we act justly, and stand to help those in need, we can experience the fruits of the Spirit – namely, peace.  This is an outward peace.
4. God calls us into a relationship with Him.  Through the Sacraments, we experience His grace and are able to have peace.  This is an inward peace.

Philippians 4: 4-9

Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice! Your kindness should be known to all. The Lord is near.  Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God.  Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me. Then the God of peace will be with you.