PEACE

Today, we focus our attention on one of the most well-known lines from the Beatitudes. As Jesus spoke, he most likely referred to the Hebrew word ‘shalom.’ Peace is more than the absence of violence; it is the fullness and wholeness of life. Making peace is a work of the Holy Spirit that we are privileged to participate in. The ministry of reconciliation is entrusted to us (2 Cor 5:18). It is the healing and restoration of relationships between individuals or communities with God. It does not talk about which side we are on - the party that has been offended or the party that has caused offence. Whichever side it is, the responsibility that lies with an individual or community that reflects the Kingdom is to be a channel of shalom. Consider your own context and communities, as well as situations worldwide where people work for peace in difficult circumstances.

Jesus makes a beautiful promise in this Beatitude, that those who make peace are called the ‘Children of God’. What a wonderful thing - to belong to God’s family, to identify with and reflect God’s presence in our world. The reward for a peacemaker is not peace - it is an identity. Peace lies not in the absence of war but in the presence of the Saviour, who initiated the reconciliation of the entire world. Maybe it is a time for us to consider our relationship with God, our web of human relationships, and that of creation. Shalom includes the entire household - what is your world made up of today?

Reflect

Here is a template of a dove to use to print out and cut out several times to create a peace wreath. On each dove, write a prayer–praying for peace for a person, community, or country. Glue or tape the doves together in a circle to create a wreath.

Pray

• Pray for the community leaders, such as police, teachers, social workers, and charities, who are involved in peace-making initiatives.
• Pray for God’s wisdom as Scripture Union movements seek ways to be involved in making peace.
• Pray for the places in the world where violence and war are rife. Pray particularly for children who are displaced, lonely, and afraid. Pray for the groups working in these places.
• Pray for the churches in your country - that they would facilitate the restoration of lives, families, and communities.