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HJ Clergy Corner: December 2006
PEACE: THE TRUE CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE
Fr. Michael Pappas
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
San Francisco, California
Christ’s birth was hailed with the angelic proclamation, “Glory to God in the highest and on earth, peace and good will to all!” (Lk 2:14)
Peace was the hallmark of Christ’s earthly ministry, the cornerstone of His Gospel and, for over 2,000 years, the defining element of His
holy Church.
For the Jews, Christ’s holy birth was a paradox. God’s chosen people expected their Messiah to reveal Himself as a mighty warrior, a saving
king. Instead, He chose to come as a babe in swaddling clothes with no place to lay His head. If anything, Jesus’ incarnation set the stage
for an equally unexpected concept of salvation, a redemption predicated upon love, forgiveness, sacrifice and peace.
By his own admission Jesus’ kingdom was not “of this world,” that is to say, not defined by geographic boundaries and material resources.
This being the case, what threat could this babe conceivably pose to the principalities of the world?
Mere interest of the Wise Men in ascertaining the location of the Christ Child’s birth sparked insecurity, envy, jealousy and fear in the
powerful King Herod. When he was unsuccessful in tricking the Magi into reporting back to him after offering their gifts at the manger, his
madness resulted in the slaughter of 10,000 innocent infants of that region. Arguably, this horrific act is a powerful indication that the
doctrine of pre-emption is a failed policy, as violent force against innocent souls cannot deter revelation of the Truth.
In word and deed, Jesus emphasizes the revolutionary power of peace. By preaching the necessity of giving from one’s abundance to those in
need, Jesus not only advocates compassion, but also strikes at the heart of that which is essential to quell conflict among individuals and
nations. By identifying the capacity to forgive and suffer martyrdom as the distinguishing characteristics of the Christian, Jesus seeks to
create a kingdom of blessed peacemakers. By admonishing the Apostle Peter to put his sword back in its sheath, “for all who take the sword
will perish by the sword” (Matt. 26:52), Jesus offers a prophetic warning to those who would embrace the distorted philosophy that peace can
be achieved through might and force. By uttering, with his last breaths on the Cross, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they
do” (Lk. 23:34), the Lord reveals that a prayer of forgiveness is the only true weapon able to liberate people from the hatred which seeks
to enslave souls.
It is no coincidence that the initial petitions of St. John Chrysostom’s Divine Liturgy have peace as their focus. Naturally, this great
virtue is the prerequisite disposition essential for approaching and seeking communion with the Prince of Peace. Likewise, from a practical
perspective, only when peace prevails in the soul of a human being is there clarity of thought and the capacity to make discerning decisions.
As we follow the star to Bethlehem, let us be reminded that God’s intention in sending the Savior into our midst was to restore peace in our
relationships and in the world. If we truly want to offer Jesus and one another the most precious gift at Christmas, let us heed the lyrics
of that popular Jackson and Miller hymn and, “Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me!”
Fr. Michael Index
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