Tuesday, Week V
(John 14)
Jesus says that his peace is different from the peace the world gives. We are tempted to think that our concept of peace – universal harmony – is conceptually faulty. No, in as much as we work together with our brothers and sisters to produce a society that enables each person to develop his/her talents, there is real peace. This is exactly what Jesus means by shalom. Unfortunately, people do more talking about peace than living it. This is the reason for Jesus’ disclaimer for the world’s peace.
Of course, many people in our country are protesting for peace in Iraq today. They mean that the United States should withdraw its forces. No doubt, they are aware that there would still be much bloodshed. But they would argue that hostility is a given in Iraq with or without the U.S. presence. They would conclude that American military just ups the ante causing more violence. How would Jesus respond?
We can’t say and no one should appeal to him as the clincher for his/her argument. For sure, however, he wants all men and women to dialogue, not to fight over their differences. He would seek mutual understanding and compromise as much as truth allows. Finally, he would have opposing sides stand side-by-side in vigilance that the terms of disengagement be implemented. Such peace is not what the world gives but approximates very closely Jesus’ peace.
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