395. A sign of love put into action

YOUCAT Catechism + Catechism of the Catholic Church Lesson 395

Ave Maria series

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]

Love in Action: Frederick Place is a homeless shelter in Rhinelander.  The property was purchased and restored through fund raisers and volunteer efforts. With a 16-person capacity, it now serves needy families, men, and women in a 5-county area. ….Photo by Don L. 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

SAFEGUARDING PEACE

[2304-2305]

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 2:16J.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

People  Homeless Deacon Bill Miller