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THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
September 21
PEACE IN EVERY STEP
by Thomas P. Bonacci, C.P.

The International Day of Peace is close to the heart of The Interfaith Peace Project. We have observed Peace Day throughout our twenty-five-year history. Traditionally, people gather for prayer, seminars, workshops, parades, and interfaith assemblies to explore the way of peace. 

On January 1, 1972, Pope Paul VI famously proclaimed, “If you want peace, work for justice.” Justice means the repair of the Earth, the proper distribution of goods, the service to the poor, and the respect for the humanity of all people. The Pope’s teaching has had enormous influence on the world in general and peacemakers in particular. For those committed to fostering peace in our world the teaching has become a mantra.

With all due respect to Pope Paul, The Interfaith Peace Project has discovered a twist on the mantra, “If you want justice, discover the peace in your heart.” Perhaps these two expressions are complementary rather than opposites.  

Peace is not made, created, or simply agreed upon through treaties, contracts, or compromises. It is not the absence of war and violence. The peace found in the human soul can become manifest even on the battlefield or in times of trouble and great turmoil. This is, if you will, a deep serenity of mind, heart, and soul by which we humans can transform the injustices around us with the peace within us. 

This peace is born of love for others. We learn to hate, fear, and reject one another. The circumstances of life can be so overwhelming that we can forget our inner peace.

We read in the Holy Qur’an, “We have sent you, O Prophet, only as a mercy to the whole world” (21:107). This mercy is born of the peace within us. On International Peace Day, we are invited to search the Scriptures, sacred writings, beliefs, and teachings of humankind to rediscover our heart of hearts, in which peace resides as a gift waiting to be cherished and shared.

The International Day of Peace encourages us to realize that every day is a time for peace, understanding, forgiveness, and recconciliation. We humans form but one human family. A family as diverse and varied as creation itself. If we truly seek to love one another, justice will be born anew in everything we do and say, and peace will be in our every breath and step.

Blessing to you, Beloved Community, for walking in the pathways of peace, justice, mercy, love, and understanding.