Peacemaking In The Ruins

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” — Matthew 5:9

“Peace is not the product of terror or fear. Peace is not the silence of cemeteries. Peace is not the silent result of violent repression. Peace is the generous, tranquil contribution of all to the good of all.” — Oscar Romero

Years ago, I had a conflict with a small group of church members who didn't appreciate some of the changes that were taking place in the church.  Some members of this group took it upon themselves to perpetuate lies about me and my intentions as a leader.  

The things that were said were hurtful and wrong.  In the end, I was vindicated, but I emerged from that situation with a great deal of bitterness and anger about what had happened.  

I recall discussing the situation with a colleague, and he allowed me to vent and get everything off my chest before responding. "I get it," he told me.  "I've been there more than once, and it's hard to take, especially when you still have to pastor them."  

Then he said something really wise.  "Just keep going, and let all the frustration and anger go. It won't serve you, and it'll affect the way you lead.  Just forgive them and move on.  There will come a day when they'll need you, and you will be there for them." 

So, I let it all go.  I forgave them and did my best to continue moving forward with hope and optimism.  Years later, one of the people that had spread rumors about me lost her husband to a massive stroke.  I was by her side throughout the whole ordeal and officiated at his funeral.  

As she walked out the door after the funeral, she hugged me and said, "Thank you for everything you did for me and my family."  I hugged her back and offered a silent prayer of gratitude to God for the wisdom my friend had shared and for the peace that God had given me when I decided to embrace it.  

Peace doesn’t come naturally in a fractured world.  We are often challenged to let go of our pride, forgive others, and find a way to bring peace to hard situations and relationships.  

I've learned that peace is not the absence of tension but the presence of mercy.

When Jesus blessed the peacemakers, He wasn’t commending those who avoid conflict; rather, He was commending those who work to resolve it. He was naming those who dared to step into it, unarmed except with love. 

Peacemaking is not passivity—it’s creative, courageous engagement with what’s broken. It’s the refusal to give up on people, even when the world says it’s easier to pick a side and stay there.

The Gospel insists that peace begins not in nations, but in neighborhoods; not in treaties, but at tables. Every time we choose empathy over accusation, listening over shouting, forgiveness over resentment, we lay another plank in the bridge Christ is still building.

But this work is not tidy. Peacemakers often find themselves misunderstood or criticized by both sides. Yet, they are the ones who look most like their Parent in heaven. Through Jesus, God crossed the great divide between holiness and humanity. The Cross is the ultimate act of bridge-building—one that cost blood, not just words.

In the ruins of division, God still calls us to build. Not to pretend there was never damage, but to join Him in the work of repair. Peacemaking is not about erasing differences; it’s about honoring the humanity that remains beneath them.

The peace of Christ is not fragile. It can stand amid wreckage and still shine.

Prayer:
God of reconciliation,
where walls have been built, teach us to build bridges.
Where words have wounded, teach us to speak healing.
Give us patience to listen, humility to learn,
and courage to love where it would be easier to withdraw.
Make us instruments of Your peace.
Amen.

Reflection Questions:

1. Where do you see division creating distance in your life or community?

2. What would it mean for you to take one small step toward peace this week?

3. How can you stay tender toward those who see the world differently?