he news of the possibility of an imminent war with Iraq, presumably involving many countries, is producing fear and insecurity. The scope of death is widening. There are already too many victims in wars both open and covert. It is enough to look at a map of the world to see how many countries are suffering the horrors of war: the injury and death of innocent people, families destroyed, displaced, homeless, disease, hunger, etc. Now, in an armed conflict with Iraq, the negative effects would increase immeasurably. The culture of violence and warring conflicts do not arise not only for economic reasons, but often also prevail over the life and dignity of people.
We need to continue asking for and working for peace, which is both a gift and a task. We receive it as a gift and we build it through our efforts. We encourage prayer to Mary for that peace that world cannot give. Let us cultivate and spread the spirituality of peace and let us educate for peace.
Throughout the world there have been many statements and many demonstrations for peace, specifically against this war that can and should be avoided. John Paul II is giving an example of intrepidness and constancy in his peace-making mission. And yet, the Psalmist’s lament keeps on resounding: “When I say: Peace, they say: War” (Ps. 119:7), along with that of Jeremiah: “They calm my people with false assurances, saying Peace, peace! When there is no peace” (Jr. 6: 14).
We are convinced that it is not enough to say “No war”. We need to move beyond the matters covered in negotiations and treaties, to real disarmament and the destruction of the arms themselves. We need to continue asking for and working for peace, which is both a gift and a task. We receive it as a gift and we build it through our efforts. We encourage prayer to Mary for that peace that world cannot give. Let us cultivate and spread the spirituality of peace and let us educate for peace.
Many have been engaged in actions on behalf of peace. We cannot content ourselves with being peaceful. We must be creative architects of peace. Building peace is the very heart of our prophetic mission. As we join the chorus of those clamoring for peace, we do so as Christians, as missionaries, who seek to make effective the universal fellowship of the children of God. A few discover in Jesus the gift of peace and the way to maintain it. Disarmament is considered of little value if one does not recognize the inheritance Jesus gave us as He returned to the Father: “I leave you peace, my peace I give you” (Jn. 14:27). What did Jesus do in his life except bring about the Kingdom, inaugurate the proper relationship between people and their neighbors and between people and their God? In Jesus “justice and peace embrace” (Ps. 85:11).
The path of peace, of harmony and solidarity is long an difficult. It involves conversion, openness to differing values, dialogue, mutual respect and compassion, which cannot grow as long as self-interest, prejudice, hatred, resentments and political and religious fanaticism are fostered. “As long as poverty exists, the rich will have no peace”. This is the way World Bank President James Wolfensohn put it when he analyzed what happened on September 11. And he added: “If we do not reach out to those who are living in poverty and if we do not create a more equitable distribution of wealth, there will be no peace”. This is sound advice for all who seek peace.
(From VID)