THE LONGING FOR PEACE
Another year has ended, and a new year begins… What will it bring? In a world where discord, intolerance and war are all too common, I find myself longing for peace like never before.
According to the Global Citizen website, as of mid-December 2023 there were at least 32 live conflicts happening around the world: some have been going on for decades. We hear about many of these heart-breaking situations in the news: the suffering is unimaginable and long-lasting. It’s easy to lose hope that stability and peace will be restored to these regions of the world.
As Christians, though, we are people of hope. During Advent, we wait actively and in hope for the Christ child to be born – God-with-us. And in that same moment of expectation, we await Christ’s coming in glory at the end of time.
How do we approach the call to peace as people of hope and faith? Here are some ways that come to mind.
Through prayer
• Today is more than New Year’s Day. It’s also the feast of Mary, the Holy Mother of God. And World Day of Peace! Praying to Mary (also known as Our Lady, Queen of Peace) for an end to war and conflict is fitting – not just today, but every day of the coming year.
• At morning prayer each day, the Church prays the Canticle of Zechariah, which concludes this way:
By the tender mercy of our God,
the dawn from on high will break upon us,
to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the way of peace. (Luke 1:78-79)
May it be so for us and for all our brothers and sisters around the world!
• St. Patrick’s Breastplate is a rousing call for strength and protection: “Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me…” Even on dark days, it gives us courage for what lies ahead.
• The Peace Prayer attributed to St. Francis of Assisi, and “Make Me a Channel of Your Peace,” the musical setting of it by Sebastian Temple that we sing at Mass (it is also featured in the hit musical Come from Away), are obvious choices; Sarah McLachlan’s poignant arrangement (sung with a youth choir) makes a good starting point for reflection as well.
• A lovely blessing for family members or friends any day of the year is given in today’s first reading:
The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you;
the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace. (Numbers 6:24-26)
• Pope Francis’ Prayer for Peace is a perennial favourite: it’s dynamic and engaging, starting with the words “Lord God of peace, hear our prayer!” before asking for courage to take concrete steps for peace and to keep hope alive.
Through action
But what concrete steps can we take? We can’t fix all the problems out there that lead to conflict! No – not individually or all at once. But in little ways, and together, we can work for change that will sow the seeds for peace.
• Start small: Look for ways you can spread peace in your family, at work, in your parish, in your neighbourhood. Over time, these actions can have a ripple effect and touch many lives.
• Set the tone online: When you’re on social media or writing emails, consciously use language and tone that promote civil discussion and a constructive way forward. Take a breath before you decide to hit “Share” or “Send.”
• Think twice before criticizing someone: We all love to find flaws in politicians, corporations and so on. But will slagging them to others have positive results? Probably not. Resist the urge: instead, write a respectful letter expressing your dissatisfaction and suggesting healthy ways forward.
• Support groups that work for peace by donating time or money: Development & Peace (Caritas Canada) and KAIROS Canada are just two faith-based organizations that work closely with international partners to promote peace, security and justice. Their websites offer lots of helpful information and resources.
Peace in our time is possible. Through prayer and action, we can commit to bringing our hopes and dreams of harmony and unity to the Prince of Peace, born to us at Christmas.
Our Lady, Queen of Peace, pray for us!
Anne Louise Mahoney is managing editor of Novalis. She is the editor of Never-ending Love: Sharing Stories, Prayers and Comfort for Miscarriage and Infant Loss and Looking to the Laity: Reflections on Where the Church Can Go from Here and is the author of I Hope, a book for young children.
