The word “Peace,” as used in the Gospel, does not mean the absence of trouble but what follows when God’s will is done (cf. GS 78). “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (Mt 6:10) is the key to peace. At one with God’s will, there is peace in the individual, environment, and world.
Jesus offers “Peace,” not as the world gives it. Jesus says, “Do not think that I have come to bring peace upon the earth, but the sword.” His gospel is counter-cultural, that is, revolutionary. He has come to let us see things differently.
Where the world says” tit for tat, Jesus said “turn the other cheek.” Where the world says, “hate your enemies,” Jesus teaches, “love your enemies.” The gospel of Christ is meant to challenge the status quo, that is, to keep us in line with the will of God. It is meant to build us up so that we can become the best version of ourselves. Hence, the reason Jesus said there will be family earthquake: to set a son against the father, a daughter against the mother, a daughter-in-law against the mother-in-law, and one’s enemies will be those of his household.
As disciples of Christ, we must be willing to take up our crosses and follow in the footsteps of Christ. Following Jesus means that we may have to face opposition from others, even members of our own family.
The name Christ is a sign of contradiction. ‘He will be the cause for the rise and fall of many,’ says Simeon. We are called to live a life filled with Christ. Each day we are called to take the right steps and follow in the footsteps of Christ. If we do God’s will, peace is ours. We remember the famous hymn, “Let there be peace on earth, let it begin with me.”
“Let peace begin with me”. Followers of Christ are not afraid of the dark. We are rather called to shine the light of Christ to the dark world. We are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. What use is it if you have light and you refuse to allow the light to shine, so that others may see the light and glorify your heavenly Father? We are called to move against the current. We must swim against the current.
With our social and family values under attack left and right, do we keep quiet and run away? Of course, not. With current attacks on our God-given genders, created male and female, in the image and likeness of God, do we fold our hands and not nothing? God created both genders purposely and purposefully.
We are called to live a life that is counter-cultural so as to encounter the saving power of God. Peace is costly, but it’s worth the expense. “Let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body. And be thankful.” (Colossian 3:15)
