If we were to gather in a nut-shell the total messianic hope brought forth by Christ’s revelation, one can say that it can be spelt as shalom (peace) and dikaiosyne (justice and reconciliation)

In his message for the New Year, Pope John Paul II, underlined precisely this cardinal message when he said that there cannot be peace unless there is justice and that justice must be achieved through forgiveness.

In our times, maybe not more than in other times, we still crave and pray for golden peace. Even in Jesus’ time, a political empire that was always thirsty to fight and attain new conquests, thus enlarging its domain, dominated the world. Yet in this very context, Jesus spoke about how blessed are those to bring forth peace, for they shall be recognized as children of God. (Mt 5:9)

How can we speak of peace, pray for peace, convene delegates from all over the world to talk about peace, if each and every one of us interpret the word peace according to his/her fathom?! What should we then understand by peace?

Peace can only be received and recognized for what it is – the free gift of God – only in faith, that is, in the humble prayer of supplication and thanksgiving. Peace is not closed up in one single prospect; peace must be achieved at all levels. Which are these levels?

In the first place, it is peace with God; God communicates his peace to us through Jesus Christ in the Holy Spirit gratis i.e. as a gift. As SDC Members, we should strive hard first to become bearers of this gift from God called peace and then become messengers and instruments of peace at all levels: in the family, in society at large, in our communities, wherever we work, in the Church etc…

Let us remember that peace is not static; it finds us in a world loaded with tensions and full of sin. It is precisely because of sin that peace must communicate itself as reconciliation, and to accept it with gratitude, this means that we must become ambassadors of peace. St Paul in his Second Letter to the Corinthians says: "That is, God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation" (2 Cor 5:19ff) The fact that Christ is the reconciler becomes for every person and for every human community grace, and an appeal: reconcile yourselves with God and between yourselves.

Meekness, together with humility, were the two most vibrant virtues that shone in our Founder’s life. Let us, as his spiritual children live these maxims and enable others to discover the beauty of such a spiritual life. May we all share the joy of the Risen Christ. Happy Easter to all of you.