YOUCAT Lesson 395
YOUCAT the catechism
for Catholic youth
395 What is peace?
Peace is the consequence of justice and the sign of love put
into action. Where there is peace,
“every creature can come to rest in good order” (St. Thomas Aquinas). Earthly peace is the image of the peace of
Christ, who reconciled heaven and earth.
[2304-2305]
For a child* is born to us, a son is given to us; upon his shoulder dominion
rests. They name him Wonder-Counselor,
God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace.
His dominion is vast and forever peaceful, upon David’s throne,
and over his kingdom, which he confirms and sustains by judgment and justice,
both now and forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts
will do this!--Isaiah 9:5-6 [Photo
of painting by Don C. Bragg] ….. 395
Peace is more than the absence of war, more than a carefully
maintained balance of powers (“balance of terror”). In a state of peace, people can live securely
with their legitimately earned property and freely exchange goods with one
another. In peace the dignity and the
right of self-determination of individuals and of peoples are respected. In peace human coexistence is characterized
by brotherly solidarity. 66, 283-284,
327
“Development is the new name for
peace.” Pope Paul VI (1897-1978). Encyclical Populorum Progressio
“The effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result
of righteousness, quietness and trust forever.”
Isaiah 32:17
“The birthday of the Lord is the
birthday of peace.” Pope St. Leo the
Great (ca. 400-461)
“Blessed are the
peacemakers.” Matthew 5:9
“In my experience, every time people make an effort to live
the Gospel as Jesus teaches us, everything begins to change: all
aggressiveness, all fear and sadness then give way to peace and joy.” Belgian King Baudouin (1930-1993)
“He is our peace.” Ephesians 2:14
Peace
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.)98 Peace
is the work of justice and the effect of charity. (Compare Isaiah 32:17; compare Gaudium et Spes 78 §§ 1-2.)99 –Catechism
of the Catholic Church, Second Edition
2305 Earthly peace is the image and fruit of the peace of Christ, the messianic
"Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:5.)100 By
the blood of his Cross, "in his own person he killed the hostility,"
(Ephesians 2:16 J.B.; compare Col 1:20-22.)101 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." (Ephesians 2:14.)102 He
has declared: "Blessed are the peacemakers." (Matthew 5:9.)103 --CCC
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