Reflections on Life and Faith,
by David Keating

Peace Doesn't Mean Being right

August 26, 2006

 "My Peace I leave with you. My Peace I give you."

These words from John's Gospel have always been very powerful for me. But what does it mean?

I've heard that Peace described as the total annihilation of everyone who doesn't claim Jesus as a personal saviour, hence opening up the world for those with the right connections. I have also heard it described as a kind of eastern mystical state of mind, where the troubles of the world are immaterial.

It seems to me that the gift of peace, if it's to mean anything, has to be part of the here and now, not some indeterminate future date when everyone who disagrees with me gets blasted to smithereens. Besides, I have a feeling I'd be pretty lonely. I'm not that agreeable a guy.

Peace also has to be something that is part of our daily living. While mystical states of mind might help us clear our thoughts and renew our strength, sooner or later the world comes crashing back in.

So what does this Peace look like? There was a time when I guess I thought it meant people walking around smiling and nodding to each other and never getting too excited about anything. Then I saw that Star Trek episode (the original series) where everyone did just that. Even if it hadn't turned out to be the result of some misguided scientist's crazy computer it didn't look very appealing. Human beings are passionate critters and we need to be able to respond with enthusiasm to the world around us.

We usually seem to think that if everyone would just do things our way, we'd be at peace. It seems obvious that there's only one right way, and of course it's ours. The sooner the rest of the world realizes that, the sooner we'll have peace.

We apply this assumption to all aspects of our lives, from disagreements with family and friends to the decision to wage war on other countries and cultures. If we're right, then don't we have an obligation to make sure everyone is doing it our way? It's for their own good after all.

If you read about the early years of Christianity, including the Book of Acts, you'll encounter tales of a group of brash men and women who were overwhelmed by what they were setting out to do. In their travels they met people from all kinds of backgrounds with all kinds of beliefs. When they did, they spoke to them about a new way to look at God. People heard and were moved. The God that the disciples talked about was one that the people felt part of.

Here was a new idea, a God whose primary commandment wasn't about how much money or tribute they gave to a religious hierarchy. This God wanted everyone to love one another, to care for each other. This God said that their sacrifices should be giving the shirt off their back to a neighbour in need.

As the people learned about God, the disciples learned as well. They learned about the great variety of people and cultures that made up the world they lived in. They learned that there was more than one way to bake bread, plant crops, or set up governments. They realized that God's Creation was full of diversity, and that it was good.

Peace came from the new knowledge that underlying all of that diversity was, and is, a Creator who is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

David Keating