Peace

peace - paix - paz - pace - pax - pokój - mir - Frieden

A word often used in contrast

between entitlements and reality,

a wort, enriched by its many meanings,

a wort, significant of its selfishness.

By the time one has read books written by the general and politician in Ancient Rome named Julius Caesar, the writings elucidated the opposing sides to “pax”:

To the interest of the people of Rome, it indicated the gain: the gain of not only property, but also of power and glory and the gain of joy over having brought the so-called “barbarians” culture and civilization.

On the other hand to the interest of the defeated, pax meant:

the loss of liberty,

the loss of identities,

the loss of choice:

peace as a form of rest-in-peace

Peace is also an often taught subject in the Bible, epitomized by the Hebraic “Schalom”. It’s a phrase originated from a culture of hospitality, a phrase, which -often used as a greeting- created a form of encountering between one and the other, a phrase, which meant safety and well-being, one that included all life references.

Schalom wants to say: Don’t be scared! You’re not on your own! I shall help you! Even conflicts are included by this term, since it knows what connects us underneath. So, according to this definition of Schalom, it is a process, a process requiring various endeavors; something, that’s not going to be a piece of cake.

Peace is a great task for the one who has wronged. However, peace also is a major task, especially for those who have been wronged We cannot live in peace without a willingness to forgive one another:

Forgiveness is not enforceable, there is no right to forgiveness.

Forgiveness is adulterated when it involves judging and condemning.

Forgiveness cannot have a healing effect if I also let the other person know that my kindness and generosity makes them small an leaves them in the wrong.

Judge not and you will not be judged, says the Bible.

This form of lived culture of peace includes the willingness and ability to perceive and accept one´s own limits.

In this way, an understanding can emerge

that true peace extends beyond this world,

that true peace exceeds human possibilities,

that true peace is ultimately a divine gift.

Finally, in the life story of the Son of God Jesus, it becomes clear that shalom is able to unfold his hidden power even in extreme impotence. If we asked people, "Do you want peace?" everyone would probably answer, "Yes, of course I do, what kind of question?"

And yet:

-Somewhere a daughter tells her parents that they have nothing more to say to her.

-Somewhere, one neighbor slams the door on another.

-Somewhere, an older person denies a young person his goodwill.

Every day, one person declares the Cold War to the other somewhere.

Does peace merely mean a pause between conflicts?

Where does peace begin?

This is a contribution of the P-Seminar „Do good and do it good!“ of the St. Marien-Gymnasium Regensburg.

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