Homily

As we begin the new year of 2006, it is helpful to recall the events of 2005. It has been a year that has seen triumphs and tragedies. It as seen humanity’s greatness and ugliness. I am reminded of advancements in cancer research and computer technology, progress in compassion towards the poor and advancements in peace in troubled areas of our world. I am reminded of the unprecedented outpouring of philanthropy and growth in Christian faith on the part of countless people. I am also reminded of natural disasters endured, the propagation of war and terrorism, the continued struggle in politics, and the continued spread of apathy in Christian faith, and the fallout from the clergy sex abuse within our Church.

Through it all, we are being called, as Christians, to lead the way. How and where are we to lead? In what direction can we possibly lead the way? At risk of sounding overly simplistic, there is one goal in which we can lead the way, and that is to a faithful peace. I am not just talking about peace which is the absence of armed conflict, but peace that the world struggles to know, peace that only Christ can bring. And so it is appropriate and well discerned by the Church that this weekend (today) we celebrate and pray for peace. Indeed, the Church, on this solemnity of Mary under the title of the Mother of God, ponders on all these things in her heart. (ref. Luke 2:19).

How can we lead the way? How can we sow peace in our world? The idea of peace on earth seems so trite or polyannish. It may seem too enormous for whom a single person could grapple. Well, Pope Benedict XVI offered a message on this World Day of Peace which might offer us some insight. It is titled, “In Truth, Peace.” Allow me, if you will, to touch on the highlights of his text and offer some commentary along the way.

His reflection “expresses the conviction that wherever and whenever men and women are enlightened by the splendour [sic] of truth, they naturally set out on the path of peace” (§6). And so it is truth is an essential part of finding peace. Yet, he warns us that

we must realize that peace cannot be reduced to the simple absence of armed conflict, but needs to be understood as ‘the fruit of an order which has been planted in human society by its divine Founder’, an order ‘which must be brought about by humanity in its thirst for ever more perfect justice’” (§3)

He is telling us that peace must be anchored in God and be reflected in God’s design. Real peace, then, is founded in the author of truth. And God’s spirit of truth naturally causes us to seek out a justice that is beyond simple worldly fairness. He continues:

Seen in this way, peace appears as a heavenly gift and a divine grace which demands at every level the exercise of the highest responsibility: that of conforming human history—in truth, justice, freedom and love—to the divine order (§4).

To have peace, we must seek out truth, justice, freedom, and love. From seeking the truth, we can discern justice. When there is justice, there will be freedom. And in true freedom, we can love. Pope Benedict is telling us that we, as Christians, have a great responsibility to effect our world and bring peace.

Peace thus comes to be seen in a new light: not as the mere absence of war, but as a harmonious coexistence of individual citizens within a society governed by justice, one in which the good is also achieved, to the extent possible, for each of them. The truth of peace calls upon everyone to cultivate productive and sincere relationships; it encourages them to seek out and to follow the paths of forgiveness and reconciliation, to be transparent in their dealings with others, and to be faithful to their word. (§6)

Pope Benedict challenges us to find peace through “sincere relationships.” That means that by being people of humility, seeking forgiveness and being honest, we can promote peace in our personal lives and beyond. A sign of peace is our ability to live in harmony with each other and be governed by just laws.

As you resolve to start the year with a new commitment. Today, I would like you to consider one simple resolution: seek out peace by being more truthful this year. Speak the truth and live it. Be more transparent in your relationships and be accountable. Seek out forgiveness and commit yourself to the search for truth. Stand up for justice and seek reconciliation which will give you freedom. Do these things, and found your journey in the divine truth who is God. Then you will find peace and bring it to others. Then you will be like Mary who was the bearer of the Gospel of Peace. then you will be like the Mother of God who carried with her the Prince of Peace.