At this time of remembrance, we honour the memory of those who have suffered in times of war, both soldiers and civilians, and give thanks for those who have served and sacrificed for the freedoms we enjoy today.
It is right for us to be grateful for those who defend us in conflict, but also for us to long for a time beyond war when we can live at peace. In our Gospel reading this week, Jesus says “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9).
This blessing tells us something vital about God. Peacemakers are called ‘children of God’ because God himself is the ultimate peacemaker. The heart of the Christian message is that God is making peace with us through the saving mission of Jesus. When Jesus laid down his life for us, his sacrifice brought the forgiveness and reconciliation we needed to be at peace with God. In view of that costly peace, we seek to make peace with one another.