Pope Francis Sees Peace Through Order And Justice

In Chapter Four (entitled “The Social Dimension of Evangelization”) of his apostolic exhortation “Evangelii Gaudium” (“The Joy of the Gospel”), Pope Francis writes about “The Common Good and Peace in Society.”  He first describes what peace is not. 

“Peace in society cannot be understood as pacification or the mere absence of violence resulting from the domination of one part of society over others.  Nor does true peace … justify… a social structure which silences or appeases the poor, so that the more affluent can placidly support their lifestyle while others have to make do as they can” (E.G. 218).  “Nor is peace simply the absence of warfare, based on a precarious balance of power” (E.G. 219). 

According to Pope Francis, peace “is fashioned by efforts directed day after day towards the establishment of the ordered universe willed by God, with a more perfect justice among men” (E.G. 219).

The Holy Father calls people in every nation to live as committed and responsible citizens “…responsible citizenship is a virtue, and participation in political life is a moral obligation” (E.G. 220).  Saint Paul taught this in his day when he reminded Christians to be good citizens, to pray for those in authority. 

How many of us fail to exercise our right to vote?  Voting is a moral responsibility.  Many people in countries would give anything to be able to express their will through a vote, which is denied them by totalitarian governments.

In paragraph 226, Pope Francis states that conflict “cannot be ignored or concealed.  It has to be faced.  But if we remain trapped in conflict, we lose our perspective, our horizons shrink and reality itself begins to fall apart.  In the midst of conflict, we lose our sense of the profound unity of reality” (E.G. 226).  His words apply not only to conflict between nations, but also in marriages and family life, and in our parishes.  We cannot ignore conflict.  We must confront it striving to resolve the causes of the conflict.  However, to remain trapped in conflict by continually brooding over our hurts or by constantly bringing up past hurts only leads us to a spiritual and societal stagnation.  We lose sight of the larger picture – of what is possible.

It is possible “to build communion amid disagreement, but this can be achieved by those great persons who are willing to go beyond the surface of the conflict and to see others in their deepest dignity” (E.G. 228).  Christians believe that “unity is greater than conflict.”  Reconciliation is an imperative for Christians, not an option.  Jesus warns us that, “Whoever does not forgive his brother or sister from their heart will find no forgiveness from our heavenly Father” (Matthew 6:14-15).  We must always work to go beyond conflict to reconciliation and community building in society, our families, places of employment, and our churches.

God’s desire and plan is to unite all peoples as one body in Christ (see Ephesians 1:7-10).  God calls us to cooperate with Him in bringing about this unity already present in the Church.  Parishioners must ask if unity truly exists in their communities – or are our parishes torn apart by disunity, by one group dominating all? 

“The message of peace is not about a negotiated settlement but rather the conviction that the unity brought by the Spirit can harmonize every diversity.  It overcomes every conflict…” (E.G. 230).   Our world is hungering for peace.  What are you and I doing to contribute to building peace where we are?  Do we pray for world peace?  Peace is a fruit of God’s Spirit in our lives.