Day of peace calls us to seek peace in life

Published: September 22, 2018

By Betsy Wiederkehr Huss
Blessed Sacrament Church, Jonesboro

September 21 is the International Day of Peace, which was established in 1981 by the United Nations General Assembly. It is a day for “strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples,” according to U.N. resolution 36/37, hoping one day for cease-fire and non-violence worldwide.

Several ideas went through my head upon reading about this day. How sad that we need a resolution for a day of peace. Go to Scripture and other writings to see what is said concerning peace and the principles of Catholic social teaching fit in with this day.

Both the Old and New Testaments contain multiple verses about peace, but the following one got to me, to my heart even. Maybe it will speak to you in some way too: “If possible, on your part, live at peace with all.” (Romans 12:18)

“If possible” — what excuses do I make and act upon or attitudes do I hold to that keep me from being a peacemaker? “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9) So, how many times a day are we peacemakers and how many are we not being peacemakers?

It states “on your part,” it does not say on “their” part. So, we are to be responsible for ourselves. It depends on us to step up and live at peace. “Let the peace of heart that comes from Christ be always present in your hearts and lives, for this is your responsibility and privilege as members of his body.” (Colossians 3:15 TLB)

If the first two parts of the verse were not challenging enough, then we read the ending, “live at peace with all.” Who? All? Surely the writer (and God) didn’t mean everybody. Do they know with whom we have to deal throughout our day, weeks and years? Really, everyone?

“Strive for peace with everyone, and for that holiness without which no one will see the Lord.” (Hebrews 12:14)

The hope for the International Day of Peace is for ceasefire in combat zones for humanitarian aid access. The hope is for awareness and action by all people on this day when peace will be observed and celebrated.

Now, maybe a day of peace is a great place to start, maybe we can muster up some hours in a day where we cease-firing off hurtful, destructive words or rolling our eyes at someone different than us or striking out in violence.

So, possibly, as our cease-fire zones increase, and we tone down our bridge-blowing-up incidents, and turn to more life-giving ways of living and building bridges and even rebuild some relationships with others and God, we will get more glimpses of peace in our world. “Let us then pursue what leads to peace and to building up one another.” (Romans 14:19)

We all are one human family, whether we like it or not. Catholic social teaching on solidarity reminds us to globally love our neighbor, to work for justice and peace, and to promote God’s shalom on earth with those we encounter each day whether in person or remotely.

We each have the option or opportunity to place our hope in Jesus, the Messiah, the Prince of Peace and to follow his way of living and treating others each day of our lives. Lord, give us the courage to choose your peace.

Betsy Wiederkehr Huss has a master’s degree in theology and has been involved in ministry to all ages for 36 years. Betsy and her husband Martin are studying in the diocese’s diaconate formation program. This article was originally published in Arkansas Catholic Sept. 22, 2018. Copyright Diocese of Little Rock. All rights reserved. This article may be copied or redistributed with acknowledgement and permission of the publisher.