The New Christian Crusade - Reclaiming PEACE

A peaceful world is not one which finds itself in need of peacemakers. It is a world filled with conflict, tension, violence, dissension, godlessness, and anger that needs Christ’s peace.

The challenge to all Christians: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.” Matthew 5:9

The news is filled with evidence that we do not live in a peaceful world. Our country is not at peace; our communities are lacking in peace; our neighborhoods are in desperate need of peace; our families need some blessed peace. Most certainly, as we view the headlines in the news, our hearts are not at peace and clearly, peace is not to be found externally. Where, in a world lacking in peace, can any person hope to find an ounce of peace?

At a time when war was raging throughout Europe in the 15th century (at least 60 wars fought during one century alone) St. Francis of Paola wrote this advice in a letter: “Be peace-loving. Peace is a precious treasure to be sought with great zeal.” We must ask ourselves the important questions, just how much do we love peace? Are we peace-loving? Do we seek peace with great zeal?

In an era when Christians are once again persecuted and hated by many factions of society, what can we do to seek peace with great zeal? At the root of conflict, tension, violence, dissension and anger is hatred of some sort: hatred of ideologies, religions, people; hatred of rivals, policies, agendas; hatred of leaders, lawmakers, law enforcement; hatred of races, ethnicities, lifestyles, and hatred of anyone who does not share your views. There seems to be a bandwagon for acceptable hatred in our times. We see violence and threats of violence perpetrated against congressmen and police officers and such acts being justified by those who are angry with abuses. We have witnessed antics about our president being beheaded while many see it as evidence that he should step down. Acts of violence do not promote peace. Outlandish talk, gestures, and provocations do not facilitate a peaceful existence.

For two millennia Christians across the globe have worked tirelessly, often at the risk of their own lives, to promote peace in our world. We have fed the hungry, healed the sick, rebuilt communities, put down violence, and brought the gospel message of Jesus Christ to those who seek hope. We continue these efforts despite the hatred, opposition, and backlash we receive. As modern Christians, living in an era of powerful media outlets, political strife, and a general antagonism towards religion, we must step things up a bit - peacefully.

Make PEACE a priority. Be a peace-loving person. Find a way to bring peaceful language to any situation. In every situation, discover opportunities to bring Christ’s true message to those around us. There are many misconceptions about Christianity and what we believe.

Spread the message of PEACE any way you can. Live a peaceful life. Bring peace into your own heart through prayer and receiving the sacraments, then let the Holy Spirit help you to bring this peace into your home, neighborhood and community. Live your life so that others will say: “Now that is a peace-loving person.” Instead of wishing someone a “nice day” wish them instead a “peaceful day.”

Discourage the acceptable bandwagon of hatred. When you witness the outlandish bandwagon of hatred, be the change you wish to see. How can we turn this around? Redress the propaganda of hatred with the empowerment of love and mercy. Challenge others to do the same.

Be radically peaceful. It’s time to get creative. How can we get attention for PEACE? How can we seek peace with zeal?

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27)

This is the peace we have been given by Jesus Christ. This is the peace we are meant to share with others. The world needs it desperately. As Christians let us find new ways to make PEACE our new Crusade, not with the violence of past crusades, not with the questionable motives that often took the forefront - make PEACE our priority. We have a rare opportunity to give the world something it is now lacking. Let us light a fire for peace; let us give the world a reason to desire the peace we have found in Christ.