The Peace of Christ

By Fr. Christopher Foeckler, MJ • St. Josaphat Formation Center, Phoenix, AZ

The Catholic Calendar designates January 1st not only as the Solemnity of the Mother of God, but also as World Day of Peace! The Holy Father normally has a solemn Mass praying especially for world peace through the Blessed Virgin Mary’s special intercession as Mother of all the Children of God. The world longs for peace today.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you”, said the Lord Jesus to His disciples at the Last Supper. This is familiar to any who frequent Mass since it is always repeated after the Our Father, but I think it’s important to note that the Lord is not offering us peace as such, but in particular HIS peace. This contrast becomes very clear as He continues at the Last Supper: “Not as the world gives it do I give it to you. Let not your hearts be troubled or afraid.” 

Not as the world gives peace, does the Lord give us His peace. How should we understand this? The world offers peace when hostilities on any level cease. Usually we think of peace as the time when there are no wars engaged, whether civil wars, international or especially world wars. This would indeed be a great blessing to have, one to pray for and to work for vigorously! Yet, the Peace that Christ offers goes way beyond the world’s offer because He offers peace in the very lives of all those who believe in Him. 

Too many people today have war and terror in their midst, but even where there is conflict and strife, Christ’s peace can still be enjoyed! All of us have worries, fears, concerns and troubles in our lives with the care for loved one’s health, family or marriage problems, financial challenges, work related problems, social and political issues. But Jesus tells us, “Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.” 

The Peace of Christ is the assurance of His PRESENCE with us through any circumstance and especially through the difficult ones. The Martyrs experienced this, and had the courage of brave soldiers, because the Peace of Christ was with them. Our Lady of Guadalupe echoed this in her assurance to Juan Diego in his concern for his Uncle and the formidable task he was asked to do for her: “Am I not here, who am your Mother?!” 

May the Peace of Christ be with all of you our readers, benefactors, friends and relatives this New Year!