Peace

"And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." -- Phil 4:7

We moderns tend to think of peace in a sort of new-agey, pseudo-Buddhist way; as an inner state of calm that is unaffected by external circumstances. And it can have something similar to that application in scripture, taken in the context of trust in God amidst trying circumstances. But it means much more than that. In Hebrew, it is often used as an active verb; for instance, when Jesus pronounces peace upon his disciples or upon the storm. (It is written in Greek, but he would have been speaking either Hebrew or Aramaic, which is closely related to Hebrew). When it is used this way, it doesn't mean, "I wish you peace," but "Be at peace!" It is a command.

In other words, peace is something one has to work at. We're not commanded to have peace, but to do peace, if I may be permitted the expression. And this includes our relationships. Just sitting around trying to feel peaceful and harmonious with others isn't what we're called to do--we're called to go and make peace with them. "Blessed are the peacewishers" is not a beatitude.

Of course, one cannot force another to be at peace with him. But one can do one's own part to the utmost of his ability to achieve that peace. "If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men." -- Rom 12:18. Not just in an abstract, "Well, I wish him the best" sense, but in real, concrete terms. Christianity is not an ethereal, spiritual religion, but one of material, concrete realities. We could even think of peace between us as a sacrament; and that, I think, is what is meant by "the peace that passeth all understanding"-- not that purely mystical detachment, but the ability to truly forgive and live in love with each other. It's easy to wish someone peace and blessing in the abstract, while still harboring a secret grudge and cool aloofness. This is the sort of "peace" that is achieved by sweeping issues under the carpet rather than dealing with them. But it's hard to truly lay down our grievances, humble ourselves, and genuinely be reconciled. We're not really offered an alternative, though: "So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses." -- Matt 18:35

***edit*** It occurs to me after the fact that this could be taken as a "dig". It's not. When I write things like this, I'm mostly talking to myself. You know; thinking out loud, so to speak.