I attended a seminar at Sacred Heart Major Seminary a couple of weeks ago, and the presenter said there is no known time in history when the world was completely without war. I was so intrigued (and saddened) by the concept that I decided to do an internet search. There, I fell into articles featuring statistics (ourworldindata.org) or “think pieces” like those from Scientific American and the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. None said that society generally thinks of war as a positive benefit to humanity. One even said that war “is not part of human nature.” As Christians, we are given the example of Jesus, who told us to “turn the other cheek,” to “forgive 70 times seven times,” and to “love our enemies.” At this time of the year, when we hear songs extolling “peace on earth” and “goodwill toward men,” why do we sing about it but don’t do it? I think it’s because so many factors are at play, and it is such a big issue that we “check out” mentally and brush it off as someone else’s problem to tackle. But is it? Here are some questions that I can ask myself:
Am I making an effort to bring peace into my interactions with others?
When I pray the Act of Contrition, I pray to “avoid whatever leads me to sin.” Do I avoid the people and situations where I will not be my best self? If so, do I do it lovingly?
Am I praying for peace in my home and my heart?
Do I strive to apply Jesus’ message of love to my life, even if it might be difficult?
Do I pray for the people who “push my buttons?”
Are there any areas of my life where I can bring peace through forgiveness and reconciliation?
How can I express forgiveness where it is needed? Is there something that is holding me back?
Is my biggest task about forgiving myself? Remember, God will always love you.
Might I benefit from participating in the Sacrament of Reconciliation?
I include these questions here to spark some thought. Almost all of us will encounter people and situations this holiday season that get our “negative juices flowing.” Mental health professionals will tell us that preparing for those encounters can be very helpful. I suggest bringing them to our prayer. As I said before, the problem of world peace is big, but maybe, just maybe, we can foster peace in our little corner of the universe. Wishing you a blessed Christmas.
Here is a prayer to get you started:
O sweet Child of Bethlehem, grant that we may share with all our hearts in this profound mystery of Christmas. Put into the hearts of men and women this peace for which they sometimes seek so desperately and which you alone can give to them. Help them to know one another better and to live as brothers and sisters, children of the same Father. Reveal to them also your beauty, holiness, and purity. Awaken in their hearts, love and gratitude for your infinite goodness. Join them all together in your love. And give us your heavenly peace. Amen. – Pope John XXIII