Grace Thompson
The Peace of Christ is a central aspect of the Christian message and is deeply rooted in Scripture and the early Christian community's liturgical practices. It is a profound expression of Christian love, reconciliation, unity, and charity, as Jesus himself said to his disciples, Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. The Catholic Church, through its institutions and individuals, has long promoted peace and justice, with notable figures like Dorothy Day, Ammon Hennacy, and Thomas Merton advocating for international peace within Christendom. The concept of the Sign of Peace or the Pax in Catholic tradition is a liturgical rite symbolizing the mutual affection and forgiveness that prepares the community for Communion, emphasizing spiritual unity and peace among the members of the Body of Christ.
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What You'll Learn
The Sign of Peace
The origin of the Sign of Peace is found in several key biblical passages. For example, in Matthew 5:23-4, Jesus says, "If therefore thou offer thy gift at the altar, and there thou remember that thy brother hath anything against thee; leave there thy offering before the altar, and go first to be reconciled to thy brother: and then coming thou shalt offer thy gift." This passage emphasizes the importance of reconciliation and mutual forgiveness before approaching the altar, which is symbolized by the exchange of peace.
The exchange of peace, therefore, prepares the community for Communion, reinforcing the spiritual unity required to receive the Body and Blood of Christ worthily. It is a reminder of the peace that Christ offers, which is not of this world but is rooted in the resurrection and the Kingdom of God.
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True happiness and interior peace
The path to achieving this peace is not always easy, as it requires us to choose God's will over our own desires. This may involve difficult sacrifices, such as refusing to sin, being faithful to God's moral law, and loving others unconditionally. However, by choosing God's will, we begin to cultivate the gift of Christ's peace within us.
The "Sign of Peace" is a liturgical and sacramental act in the Catholic Church, symbolizing communion, mutual forgiveness, reconciliation, and unity among the faithful. It is a profound expression of Christian love, rooted in Scripture and early Christian liturgical practices. This act is not merely a polite gesture but a visible manifestation of the invisible reality of the Church—a community reconciled through Christ, united in love, and called to bring peace to the world.
The desire for interior peace is innate, as it is written upon our very nature. However, it is important to understand that the peace offered by Christ is different from the temporary peace the world may offer. The world's peace can lead to interior disorder and chaos, as seen in addictions that provide only a fleeting sense of well-being. In contrast, the peace of Christ is lasting and brings wholeness and integrity.
Throughout history, notable Catholic figures have promoted peace within Christendom and worked to overcome prejudices and conflicts between different groups. Institutions like the Catholic Worker Movement and individuals like Dorothy Day, Ammon Hennacy, and Thomas Merton dedicated themselves to peacemaking efforts. Additionally, Caritas Osterreich sponsors a Peace Camp for underprivileged children of different religious denominations from the Middle East, fostering peace and understanding among diverse groups. These efforts reflect the Catholic tradition of striving for peace and justice in the world.
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International peace within Christendom
The Catholic Church, especially the papacy, has long sought to leverage its authority to promote international peace and justice. Notable figures like Desiderius Erasmus of Rotterdam, a prominent figure during the Northern Renaissance, advocated for international peace within Christendom through his books and network of influential correspondents. Erasmus aimed to reduce religious antagonism between Catholics and Lutherans, arguing for moderation and against the death penalty for heretics.
The institutional church has been involved in international diplomacy and canon law to define the boundaries of war and violence. Medieval Europe, for example, relied on canon law as a form of international law. The Catholic Church has also sponsored initiatives like the Peace Camp for underprivileged children of various religious denominations from the Middle East, fostering peace and understanding among different faiths.
After World War II, Catholic peacemaking efforts continued through institutions like the Catholic Worker Movement and individuals such as Dorothy Day, Ammon Hennacy, and Thomas Merton. These individuals played a crucial role in establishing organisations like Pax Christi, dedicated to promoting peace and reconciliation.
The "Sign of Peace" within the Catholic Church is a liturgical and sacramental act that holds profound significance. It symbolises communion in Christ, reconciliation, and unity among the faithful before receiving Holy Communion. This rite, often a handshake or kiss of peace, has ancient roots and serves as a reminder of the need for peace and mutual forgiveness.
The pursuit of international peace within Christendom is a longstanding endeavour within the Catholic Church, employing various means to foster harmony and understanding among different faiths and nationalities.
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Catholic Worker Movement
The Catholic Worker Movement is a collection of autonomous communities founded by Dorothy Day and Peter Maurin in the United States in 1933. The movement started with the Catholic Worker newspaper, created by Day to advance Catholic social teaching and take a neutral, Christian pacifist position in the turbulent 1930s. Day and Maurin aimed to put their words into action by establishing ""houses of hospitality"" and farming communes. The idea of voluntary poverty was advocated for those volunteering at the houses of hospitality. These houses had no requirements for membership and were run autonomously, varying in size and character.
The Catholic Worker Movement is guided by the principle of hospitality towards those on society's margins. It claims over 240 local communities providing social services, with each house having a unique mission suited to its region. The movement is not an official organ of the Catholic Church, and its activities may vary in religious tone and inspiration. However, its core tenets include pacifism and opposition to war and the unequal global distribution of wealth.
The beliefs of the Catholic Worker Movement, according to co-founder Peter Maurin, include the establishment of farming communes where individuals work according to their abilities and receive according to their needs. This philosophy, described as Christian anarchism, sees all authority as derived from God, and respects individual conscience and prophetic messages.
Families have participated in the Catholic Worker Movement in various ways, such as assisting in houses of hospitality or opening "Christ rooms" in their homes for those in need. The movement has no national organisation or headquarters, but numerous communities exist, including the Houston Catholic Worker. The movement's aims include feeding, clothing, and sheltering those in need, emphasising the importance of "giving reason for the faith that is in us."
The Catholic Worker Movement has been influential in Catholic peacemaking, with figures like Dorothy Day, Ammon Hennacy, and Thomas Merton carrying on activities after World War II.
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The Peace Camp
The Salzburg branch of Caritas Osterreich sponsors a Peace Camp for underprivileged children from various religious backgrounds across the Middle East. The Peace Camp is a Catholic peace tradition that aims to foster peace and unity among different religious denominations. Since its inception in 1999, the camp has welcomed nearly 900 children and young people from 9 countries and 18 religious denominations.
The camp is held in a different country in the Middle East each year, providing a unique opportunity for participants to immerse themselves in diverse cultures and traditions. The programme is designed to promote intercultural and interreligious dialogue, empathy, and understanding. By bringing together young people from diverse backgrounds, the Peace Camp empowers them to become ambassadors of peace and tolerance in their communities.
The curriculum at the Peace Camp covers a range of activities and workshops that encourage personal development, cultural exchange, and mutual understanding. Participants engage in open discussions about their beliefs and values, challenging stereotypes and breaking down barriers between different religious groups. They also learn about the importance of peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and social justice, drawing on Catholic teachings and the principles of other faiths represented at the camp.
One of the key objectives of the Peace Camp is to help participants cultivate a sense of interior peace and integrity. Through guided reflections and spiritual exercises, young people are encouraged to explore their own identities, values, and sources of meaning. They are taught that true happiness comes from making choices aligned with God's will, cultivating inner peace, and leading a life of virtue. By understanding the importance of interior peace, participants can return to their communities as agents of positive change, promoting peace and harmony in their own contexts.
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Frequently asked questions
The Peace of Christ is a liturgical and sacramental act that expresses several profound truths. It is a gesture that manifests the peace that Jesus, the "Prince of Peace", gives to his disciples.
The Peace of Christ is a symbol of communion in Christ, reconciliation, and preparation for the Eucharist. It is a reminder that true communion with Christ must be accompanied by peace with one another.
The peace that Christ gives is not as the world gives. It is not a temporary fix or a sense of well-being. Instead, it is a true interior peace that leads to strength, integrity, clarity of thought, and ultimately, happiness.
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