Jesus promoted peace. He said at the Last Supper, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.” (John 14:27) Then, after the Resurrection, Jesus’ first words to the disciples were, “Peace be with you.” (John 20:19) Although it may at times seem that we are powerless to stop wars, violence in our cities, or even arguments or conflicts in our families and communities, there are many ways that we can work for peace. Here are some about which I have been thinking lately.
We can pray for peace. Pope Leo XIV asks for the faithful to continue to pray for peace, in order to prevent suffering to innocent lives and to promote dialogue that can lead to a lasting peace. There are many prayers for peace that others have already written, or we can go to Eucharistic Adoration, pray the Rosary, or pray for peace during intentions at Mass, to name just a few ideas.
We can engage in dialogue with others peacefully. Dialogue that sincerely listens to another person with a desire to understand and not only to change another’s view can promote peace. Perhaps we can say to someone who holds views opposed to our
