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for ages 4-8<\/a><\/strong> | Print<\/a> | Audio<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Recently, an observatory established by three Italian universities reported that more than a million hate messages were posted online in one year. Messages of hate against foreigners, Jews and, in particular, women are becoming increasingly violent.<\/p>\n Of course, we cannot generalise, but most of us, at some time, \u00a0have experienced argumentative attitudes, insults and antagonism in our families or at work or during sport and so on which divide us and undermine social cohesion. On a more global level, there are currently 56 armed conflicts worldwide, the highest number since World War II, resulting in a significant number of civilian casualties.<\/p>\n It is in this context that Jesus\u2019 thought provoking words resonate more\u00a0 truthfully and powerfully than ever.<\/p>\n \u201cBlessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2018Every nation and every person feels a deep longing for peace, harmony and unity. Yet despite our efforts and goodwill, after thousands of years of history, we still find ourselves unable to achieve stable and lasting peace. Jesus came to bring us peace \u2013 a peace that, he tells us, is not like that which \u2018the world gives\u2019, [i]<\/a> because it is not merely the absence of war, strife, division and trauma. His peace encompasses all of these things but it is so much more: it is the fullness of life and joy; it is the salvation of the whole person; it is freedom; it is justice and fraternity among all peoples, based on love.\u2019 [ii]<\/a><\/p>\n This month\u2019s Word of Life is the seventh Beatitude with which the Sermon on the Mount begins (Matthew 5\u20137). Jesus, who embodies all the Beatitudes, addresses his disciples instructing them. It is worth noting that the eight Beatitudes are formulated in the plural. This suggests that the emphasis is not on individual attitudes or personal virtues, but rather on a collective ethic carried out in a group.<\/p>\n \u201cBlessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God<\/strong>.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n Who are the peacemakers? \u2018This \u2018beatitude\u2019 is the most active one and explicitly asks for concrete efforts. \u00a0The words are similar to those in the first verse of the Bible that refers to creation and they \u00a0indicate initiative and industriousness. Love is creative by nature \u2026 and seeks reconciliation at any cost. Those who have learned the art of peace and practise it are called children of God. They know that there can be no reconciliation without giving one\u2019s life, and that peace must always be sought everywhere\u2026 This is not an autonomous work that is the fruit of one\u2019s own abilities, but a manifestation of the grace received from Christ, who is our peace and has made us children of God.\u2019 [iii]<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cBlessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God<\/strong>.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n So, how can we live out these words? Firstly, by spreading true love everywhere. Secondly, we must intervene when peace is threatened around us. Sometimes, simply listening lovingly and attentively to those in conflict can provide a way forward.<\/p>\n Furthermore, it asks that we do not give up until broken relationships, often caused by trivial matters, are restored. Perhaps we could initiate special activities within our groups, associations or parishes to raise awareness of the need for peace. There are myriad proposals around the world, large and small, that work for this: marches, concerts, conferences and volunteer work set in motion a current of generosity that builds peace.<\/p>\n There are also peace education programmes, such as \u2018Living Peace\u2019. \u00a0[iv]<\/a>To date, over two million children, young people and adults in more than 2,600 schools and groups on five continents are involved in its initiatives. These include launching the \u2018Peace Dice\u2019 \u2014 inspired by Chiara Lubich\u2019s \u2018art of loving\u2019 [v]<\/a> \u2013 with phrases written on each side to help build peaceful relationships, and the worldwide \u2018Time Out\u2019 initiative which is a moment of silence, reflection,or prayer for peace at 12:00 noon every day.<\/p>\n Prepared by Augusto Parody Reyes <\/em> <\/p>\n [i]<\/a> Cf. Jn 14:27
\nand the Word of Life Team<\/em><\/p>\n
\n[ii]<\/a> C. Lubich, Word of Life Jan 2004
\n[iii]<\/a> Pope Francis, General Audience, 15 April 2020
\n[iv]<\/a> http:\/\/livingpeaceinternational.org<\/a>
\n[v]<\/a> C. Lubich \u2018The Art of Loving\u2019, Rome 2000<\/p>\n
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