From the Friars: On Violence and Peace

In 1967 Pope St. Paul VI declared that January 1st, the Solemnity of the Holy Mother of God, would also be observed as the World Day of Peace. The first words of Pope Leo XIV after his election were: “Peace be with you.” And he has a new book on promoting peace coming out soon. Surely this is a good and necessary emphasis in our violent world. Recently Popes and the Magisterium in general have been a consistent and strong voice for building peace, which requires an ongoing and constant effort.

 

But there is a danger that all this talk about peace comes off as nothing more than pious platitudes. After a mass shooting or a military attack, a Papal sound bite about reconciliation and forgiveness is often added to the media coverage. There is a paradox about the relationship between violence and peace that is helpful. Namely that true peace only comes as a fruit of a just violence.

Our fallen nature is inclined to sin, including hatred and violence against others. To overcome this, we must do spiritual violence to our self-centeredness. Hence Jesus says regarding the Kingdom: “men of violence take it by force.” (Mt 11:12) Only when the Love, Truth and Peace of Christ reigns in our hearts will there be peace in the world. And this will not happen fully until He comes again in glory.

In the meantime, we struggle toward the ideal. And as evil inclinations must be violently resisted, so unjust physical violence must often be met with justified physical violence. Police and military are necessary to maintain peace and defend the innocent from unjust aggressors, of which there are sadly many. Condemning all violence is itself unjust because it does not recognize the legitimate right of self-defense, which is also “a grave duty” for those responsible for the lives of others. (CCC 2256)

Perhaps St. Theresa of Calcutta summed up this difficult balance best when she stated: “I will never attend an ant-war rally; if you have a peace rally, invite me.” St. Francis marched into the Muslim camp unarmed during the Crusades to preach the Gospel, hoping for martyrdom, knowing that the Prince of Peace is the only hope for peace.

Happy New Year!
Fr. Peter