Blessed are the Peacemakers

There was another life lost to violence today.

And more children’s lives shattered by gunshots.

We are exhausted. And furious.

But we cannot just shrug and look away.

Nor do we dare allow this rage to fester in us.

We cannot. We must not.

Jesus said, “Blessed are the peaceMAKERS,

for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9).

Jesus did not say, blessed are the peaceKEEPERS.

Maybe because he knew that there is no peace to keep.

Or maybe he knew peace isn’t like leftovers.

And where would we keep it anyway?

Stored away like an ancient relic?

No.

Peacemaking is our daily work.

Because vengeance is too easy.

But Christ said, “Put your sword back in its place,

for all who take the sword will perish by the sword” (Matthew 26:52).

Peacemaking is our daily work.

Because hatred comes too naturally.

But Christ said, “Love your enemies,

and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44).

Peacemaking is our daily work.

Because evil tempts us to answer violence with violence.

But Paul reminds us, “Do not be overcome by evil,

but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21).

Like bread that is broken and shared,

Peace must be made fresh each day.

Each moment.

With every thought, word, and action.

The recipe for peace is not a secret,

but few have managed to follow it:

Start with truth, because without it peace crumbles.

Add mercy, folded in until our hearts grow soft.

Knead justice through the whole thing,

so no one is left hurting or hungry.

Season with courage,

sweeten with forgiveness (seventy times seven times!)

and let it rise in hope

until swords become plowshares

and enemies call one another friend.

Make daily.

Share widely.

Taste and see that it is good!