As we know from family squabbles, genuine peacemaking does not simply gloss over differences. If those aren’t addressed, they will surface again like dandelions on a lawn. Instead, peacemaking explores areas of disagreement and seeks common ground. We who prefer a quick fix may discover that creating peace is a slow process that some compare to the building of medieval cathedrals. Chartres or Notre Dame took about four hundred years, sixteen generations in medieval lifespans. Those who laid the foundations never expected to see the final arches. Yet they knew that their children and grandchildren would continue their work. In the same way, peacemakers know that they may never see the outcome, but they encourage the next generation to seize the baton.

So we look over the centuries to Jesus as our model. He came into a country brutally ruled by Caesar, a world that worshipped the power of the sword. Boldly, Jesus offered two different kinds of power. He told the oppressed that they are God’s children who will inherit the kingdom. To those who can bring about change, he proposed a way of living that would make them happier than privilege ever had. He asked them to do what they could for some in overwhelming need, as he did, and not run away as we might be tempted to do. He suggested that they spend time figuring out what was bothering the difficult child, not just ignore him. Hewanted them to listen through the family conflict, not turn away because it’s too draining. Hetold them to look at unrest and try to discover the underlying neglect or injustice.

Jesus did not just talk about peacemaking; he lived it. He began by making peace with himself. Jesus had the internal tensions we all have. When he wanted to preach, people demanded healing. When he wanted solitude, Peter and his companions interrupted. When he sought time apart with his disciples, the crowds surrounded him. Yet he never exploded in a rage. Despite the turmoil surging around him, he left a legacy of peace. Jesus forged within him self a splendid balance between meeting his own needs and revitalizing them for God’s work. Hetook time for prayer. But he could also be so moved by the crowds that he set aside his origi- nal intent in order to teach and feed them. While criticizing the Pharisees, he also guided Nicodemus, a member of that group.

Jesus teaches: If you want world peace, begin with yourself. We resist people who attempt leadership but carry loaded guns in their hearts. We respect people who name their grievance, then forget it. If we are honest, we admit that we should quit carrying angry burdens best abandoned in high school. We also know that the more time we spend quieting ourselves in prayer, the less we are inclined to furious outbursts.

One step toward making peace might be to find examples that we can admire: skipping the perfect opportunity for a put-down; attempting to understand another person’s values; finding ways to resolve conflict without guns; becoming more educated about our so-called enemies; voting for candidates who seek alternatives to military solutions. The way Jesus proposes is no easier than it was in the Roman world. Power and prestige are still enshrined; might is still revered today. We spend billions on destructive weapons. But Jesus offers an alternative: a way of living that will make us happy now and ultimately. Beneath the sometimes weary exterior of the peacemaker, he (or she) points to the gleam of God’s child.

PASTOR’S NOTE
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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