“Blessed are the peace makers, for they will be called children of God”.. Mathew 5:9.
In a world wounded by conflict, inequality and division, Church is called to be a beacon of peace and justice. It is not just a day on the calendar but it is a reminder of our Christian duty to build the kingdom of God here on earth- a kingdom founded on love, truth and fairness.
Peace is more than just the absence of war. True peace, the Shalom of God is wholeness-when every person lives with dignity ,security and hope. Justice is more than a court verdict. Biblical justice means giving each person what is due to them as a child of God, especially the poor, voiceless and the marginalised.
You cannot have one without the other. As Pope Paul VI said, “If you want peace, work for justice. Where there is no justice, peace cannot last. Where there is no peace, justice cannot flourish.”
How can we promote peace and justice in our daily lives?
1) In our homes: Let us begin with forgiveness. Peace starts at the dinner table. Listening with patience, speaking with kindness and teaching our children to love, share and respect all people.
2) In our community: Our Parish is called to stand with the oppressed. This day invites us to visit the lonely, help the needy, support the struggling family and speak up against discrimination and corruption, however small.
3) In our hearts: Let us examine our own prejudices. Do we judge others by caste, language or economic status? Christian justice demands that we see Christ in every face.
As we observe this special day for promotion of justice and peace on 16th August let us make a collective resolution. Let us not just pray for peace but become instruments of peace. Let us not just hope for justice but practice justice.
May our St. Francis of Assisi’s prayer become our own: Lord, make me an instrument of peace.
Let us stand for peace, uphold justice and build a kinder world, together.
A SHORT PRAYER:
God of all justice and source of true peace, You made us in your image to live as brothers and sisters. Look with mercy upon our broken world. Where there is hatred, jealousy, let us sow love, where there is injustice, let us stand for truth. Where there is division amongst family and nations, let us build bridges of understanding.
Give wisdom to our leaders, courage to the oppressed and compassion to our hearts. Make our Parish a home of welcome, families seedbeds of peace, and our lives a reflection of Your justice, AMEN!!!!!
-Mary Pinheiro