Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.” – Matthew 5:9

What does it mean to be a peacemaker?

In a world that is ugly with violence and hate, Jesus calls us to be peacemakers. But, what did Jesus mean by peacemakers? A peace maker is someone who is constantly seeking to reconcile people to God and to one another. Peacemaker is a compound word made from the words “peace” and “maker”. Peace in Hebrew is shalom. When a Jew said “shalom” they were wishing one the full presence, peace and prosperity of all the blessedness of God. In the Bible peace is always based on justice and righteousness. Where justice prevails and righteousness rules, there you will find peace. The word maker from the compound word peacemaker comes from the Greek verb that means “to do” or “to make”. Peacemakers are commanded to action and initiative. Jesus did not ask us to be peacehopers or peacedreamers. Peace. Must. Be. Made. A peacemaker is never passive, but always takes the initiative, peacemakers are doers.

Questions for reflection

How would peacemaking look differently in our world if we were seeking the shalom of others?

Can having certain spiritual disciplines help us in being at peace with ourselves in the world? What are possible disciplines that can help us become more like the Prince of Peace?

The promise of this Beatitude is that peacemakers will be called children of God. What does this promise mean to you?

How can we live out the Seventh Beatitude?

• Pray for all countries and leaders of our world.
• Make love a priority in attitudes and behaviors
• Help others find peace with God.
• Ask for forgiveness from someone you have hurt.

Prayer

Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace

Where there is hatred, let me sow love

Where there in injury, pardon

Where there is doubt, faith

Where there is despair, hope

Where there is darkness, light

Where there is sadness, joy

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek

To be consoled as to console

To be loved as to love

For it is in giving that we receive

It is in pardoning that we are pardoned

It is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.

• St. Francis of Assisi