PEACE BE WITH YOU
A Biblical Perspective on Shalom
The biblical understanding of peace goes far beyond the common notion of the absence of conflict or war. In Scripture, peace is expressed through the Hebrew word “shalom,” which conveys a rich meaning of completeness, wholeness, and well-being. This concept of shalom encompasses not just external tranquility but an inner state of harmony and fulfillment.
In the Catholic tradition, we find this deeper meaning of peace reflected in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which states: “Peace is not merely the absence of war… Peace is ‘the tranquility of order.’ Peace is the work of justice and the effect of charity” (CCC 2304). This aligns with the biblical view that true peace involves right relationships – with God, oneself, and others.
The Old Testament reveals God as the source of peace. One of His names is Yahweh-Shalom, meaning “The Lord is Peace” (Judg 6:24). The prophet Isaiah foretold the coming of the Messiah as the “Prince of Peace” (Isa 9:6). This prophecy finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who establishes peace through His redemptive work.
In the New Testament, we see Jesus greeting His disciples with “Peace be with you” (Jn 20:19, 21, 26). This was not a mere formality but a bestowal of divine peace. As Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you” (Jn 14:27). This peace is a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:22) and surpasses all understanding (Phil 4:7).
The Catholic liturgy beautifully incorporates this biblical concept of peace. During the Mass, the priest says, “The peace of the Lord be with you always,” echoing Christ’s words to His disciples. The subsequent exchange of peace among the faithful is not just a friendly gesture but a profound expression of communion in Christ.
St. Paul frequently begins and ends his letters with wishes of peace, emphasizing its importance in the Christian life. In Romans 5:1, he writes, “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” This peace with God is the foundation for peace in all other aspects of life.
REFLECTION
For us as Christians today, the biblical concept of shalom challenges us to seek a deeper, more comprehensive peace. It calls us to work for justice, practice forgiveness, and cultivate inner tranquility through our relationship with God. In a world often marked by division and unrest, we are called to be peacemakers (Mt 5:9), embodying and spreading the shalom of Christ.
Let us remember that true peace is not merely the absence of conflict, but the presence of God’s wholeness in our lives and communities. As we exchange the sign of peace during Mass or greet one another with “Peace be with you,” may we be mindful of the profound spiritual reality these words convey. May we strive to be instruments of God’s peace, bringing His shalom to a world in need of healing and reconciliation.
As Christians, the call to embody and extend the peace of Christ is both a privilege and a responsibility. The shalom that Jesus offers is transformative, encompassing every dimension of our lives. It is a peace that reconciles us with God, restores our inner harmony, and fosters justice and charity in our relationships with others.
In our daily lives, let us actively seek opportunities to be peacemakers. This means forgiving those who have wronged us, working towards justice in our communities, and nurturing a spirit of compassion and understanding. Let us pray for the grace to embody Christ’s peace in our hearts and to share it generously with those around us.
In a world that often feels fragmented and tumultuous, the peace of Christ stands as a beacon of hope and healing. May we, as followers of Christ, be true ambassadors of His shalom, contributing to a world that reflects the wholeness and harmony of God’s kingdom. Peace be with you.