Saturday, May 4, 2013
481. What is peace in this world?
(Comp 481) Peace in this world, which is required for the respect and development
of human life, is not simply the absence of war or a balance of power between
adversaries. It is “the tranquility of order” (Saint Augustine), “the work of
justice” (Isaiah 32:17) and the effect of charity. Earthly peace is the image
and fruit of the peace of Christ.
“In brief”
(CCC 2327) Because of the evils
and injustices that all war brings with it, we must do everything reasonably
possible to avoid it. The Church prays: "From famine, pestilence, and war,
O Lord, deliver us."
To deepen and
explain
(CCC 2304) Respect for and development of human life require
peace. Peace is not merely the
absence of war, and it is not limited to maintaining a balance of powers
between adversaries. Peace cannot be attained on earth without safeguarding the
goods of persons, free communication among men, respect for the dignity of
persons and peoples, and the assiduous practice of fraternity. Peace is "the
tranquillity of order" (St. Augustine, De
civ. Dei, 19, 13, 1: PL 41, 640). Peace is the work of justice and the
effect of charity (Cf. Isa 32:17; cf. GS
78 §§ 1-2).
Reflection
(CCC 2305) Earthly peace is the image and fruit of the peace of Christ, the messianic
"Prince of Peace" (Isa 9:5). By the blood of his Cross, "in his
own person he killed the hostility" (Eph 2:16 J.B.; cf. Col 1:20-22), he
reconciled men with God and made his Church the sacrament of the unity of the
human race and of its union with God. "He is our peace" (Eph 2:14).
He has declared: "Blessed are the peacemakers" (Mt 5:9). (CCC 2306)
Those who renounce violence and bloodshed and, in order to safeguard human
rights, make use of those means of defense available to the weakest, bear witness
to evangelical charity, provided they do so without harming the rights and
obligations of other men and societies. They bear legitimate witness to the
gravity of the physical and moral risks of recourse to violence, with all its
destruction and death (Cf. GS 78 § 5).
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