The Peace of Christ

The peace of Christ is the gift he makes to his own by reconciling them with God: the deep tranquillity of a soul restored to communion with its Creator. Christ leaves it to his disciples on the evening of his life, as an inheritance: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.” John 14:27

A peace born of the Cross

This peace has a foundation: the reconciliation accomplished by Christ on the Cross. By his death, he restored the accord between God and men that sin had broken: “Through him he willed to reconcile all things, making peace by the blood of his cross.” Colossians 1:20

Christ is himself this peace, in his person which unites God and man: “He himself is our peace.” Ephesians 2:14 Whoever is united to him by faith enters into this recovered accord: “Justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:1

A peace that abides in trial

This peace dwells in the heart in the very midst of trials, for it rests on the presence of Christ and remains when all around is shaken: “In the world you will have tribulations; but take courage, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Received in prayer, it guards the heart and surpasses what the mind can grasp: “The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7

The gift of the Risen One, the fruit of the Spirit

On Easter morning, the first word of the risen Christ to his disciples is a gift of peace: “Peace be with you.” John 20:19 This peace then spreads in the soul as a fruit of the Holy Spirit: “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace.” Galatians 5:22

Whoever receives it is sent to carry it to others, and this mission makes him resemble God: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” Matthew 5:9 It is this peace that the Church passes on at every Mass, when the faithful exchange the sign of peace before communing in Christ.