(Posted July, 2013)

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." (Matthew 5:9)

September 21 marks the International Day of Peace. On this day, we act as a global community to take steps toward a more peaceful world. Through actions and prayer, we are able to work toward a more peaceful future. International Day of Peace is about more than ending conflict. Today we think about our relationships with all our neighbors, reflecting on how our love of neighbor can bring about peace on a local and global scale. 

One of the ways we can help enact peace is through justice. Our Catholic Social Tradition tells us that if we work for a more just community we will bring about a more peaceful community. Through actions like forgiving a grudge towards a neighbor, working on a project to end social injustices, or pausing for a moment of prayer, we are taking the steps toward peace. 

Let us pray …

Gracious God, we ask for your help in bringing about peace among all nations. As stewards of peace, we work to build loving relationships with our neighbors, but we need your help in bringing about world peace. Help our local peaceful relationships to serve as a guide for the desired peace between nations. Help our global leaders to hear the cries of peace from their people and act on those pleas. Help our national differences to be overcome through an understating of others and a desire for peace and justice. We ask this through your peaceful name. Amen. 

Related Information

International Day of Peace — September 21 — United Nations