Peace Day is celebrated around the world to commemorate and strengthen the ideals of peace in every nation and every people. If we want to build the future we must act immediately and in common agreement, so that peace and non-violence become a reality for all human beings. The increase in violence and conflicts in various parts of the world must make us reflect and mobilize ourselves to strengthen a “culture of peace”.
During this day, thousands of cities around the world carry out a Universal Meditation for Peace, illuminating every corner of the planet, in a framework of happy coexistence.
“Thoughts of love are the forgers of brotherhood, peace, friendship and happiness.”
Motto: Every year there is a specific theme, for 2022 it is the following… “End racism. Build peace” (End racism. Build peace).
Advice: We can also start with ourselves with simple gestures: let’s be cordial to our neighbors, say good morning to the people we meet, give smiles instead of pouting and say thank you.
The dove with an olive branch in its beak is the universal symbol of Peace. It was mentioned for the first time in the Bible, when after the Great Flood a dove gave the signal that God was no longer angry.
The United Nations deals with a wide range of interrelated issues that address the root causes of conflict, including poverty reduction, HIV/AIDS prevention, humanitarian assistance, the promotion of human rights, the development of international agreements and instruments legal matters, peace operations, electoral assistance, support for democratization, preventive diplomacy, and economic and social development.
It is important to support each other, treat each other with love and respect, help those who need it. Only then will we create a just world. Peace goes beyond countries, citizens must practice peace. If we don’t, this word has no meaning
. Through His gospel, Jesus Christ provides us with an inner peace that surpasses the peace the world offers. If we trust Him with faith, we can feel peace in any circumstance. The Savior taught: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you; I do not give to you as the world gives” (John 14:27).
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians: 4:7)
Today our world is in urgent need of peace. Peace is sought in many forms and ways. From the famous peace agreements between groups or countries in conflict, marches, speeches, even hopes are placed on institutions such as the UN, NATO, etc., on characters and religions. Why is the long-awaited peace not achieved? Could it be that they have not truly understood what peace really is? Can’t fully understand? Or is it that man wants to find peace in his forces, or with his intellect?
The whole world is in a tremendous crisis. The family disintegrating, morals and values on the ground, society hit by violence, incompetent governments to solve problems, corrupt politicians who do nothing for their people. This on the one hand, and on the other; science trying to develop cures for deadly diseases, man exploring other planets, etc. How is it possible that man has the capacity for all this and not to solve his own personal problems, to end wars, hunger and poverty. The main reason is that man does not want anything with God. She insists on cutting him out of her life and forgetting about him. They do not want to meet a good and loving Being who only seeks the common good for all humanity, and that only in Him is peace found.
The text tells us that the peace of God surpasses all understanding. But the problem is that man has still misunderstood what the peace of God really is. The concept of peace of man, supposes, being well and in fair dealings with others, is the absence of violence, of problems. The point is that there is no such peace. The peace of God has to do with him enlightening us, Psalm 36:9 tells us: “For with you is the spring of life; In your light we will see the light”.
It is not until when the Divine Light illuminates us, it is when we see purpose in life, and we manage to elucidate our problems. This understanding must be sought persistently, in the word of God; there we find the key so that the peace of God surpasses all understanding. The world says that after the storm comes calm, but God tells us that He is peace in the midst of the storm.
The Divine ability to bring peace and end wars, and all forms of violence, is only acquired through a sincere search for God and of course, establishing a relationship with Him. Psalm 46:9 tells us:
Who makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. That breaks the bow, cuts the spear.
Now, in a peace process, a peacemaker is needed. This is the one in charge of taking the initiative, executing and bringing peace. The bible teaches us about Someone to whom God entrusted that mission. In Isaiah 53:9 it tells us:
But he was wounded for our rebellions, crushed for our sins; the punishment of our peace was upon him, and by his stripes we are healed.
This text is speaking to us of Christ. He with his perfect sacrifice took it upon himself to bring us peace with God. And he also calls us to be peacemakers too; in Matthew 5:9 it says:
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Three times the Bible calls peacemakers happy, those who are responsible for bringing God’s peace to others. A peacemaker fully understands what the peace of God implies. They understand perfectly that the peace of God is not the absence of evils and wars, but on the contrary, it is a peace of the soul, Galatians 1:3 tells us:
Grace and peace be to you from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Peace of God is the one in charge of guarding our hearts and thoughts. This makes us confirm then, that peace has a lot to do with our state of mind. Our thoughts have a very strong link with the Peace of God, the Apostle Paul knew it very well, that is why then in verse 8 he also tells us:
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honest, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good report; if there is any virtue, if anything worthy of praise, think of this.
In a state of peace of mind, it is very easy to solve any kind of problem. It is easier to make the right decisions. It is easier to face embarrassing situations. The Peace of God, established in our minds, will prevent bad thoughts from overwhelming us and damaging our hearts. Many people live with roots of bitterness as a result of negative thoughts that they cannot get out of their hearts; These, in turn, do not allow them to see clearly and make wise decisions for their lives.
The important thing about all this reflection is what the end of the verse tells us, and it goes like this:
… He will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
It is definitely in Christ Jesus that we can find the true Peace of God. He said it in John: 14:27
Peace I leave you, my peace I give you; I do not give it to you as the world gives it. Not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
So we don’t have to worry about anything, if Christ guides our life. The world does not understand that peace, nor will it, only when they allow Christ to rule their lives, and give Him the throne of their messy and empty lives. When self-centeredness abandon your hearts and allow God to fill your lives. It is then when you will truly find true Peace of God.
Do not be anxious about anything, but let your petitions be made known to God in all prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:6-7)
“Con Dios en nuestro corazón nunca estamos solas”.
“With God in our hearts we are never alone.”
IVONNE PEREIRA DIAZ
World Vice President
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