“‘Peace Be to You’”

By

Robert John Colon

EASTER 2008

“Peace be to you” (Io. xx. 26) was the Easter salutation of Our Lord to His Apostles and earliest followers; and this blessed salutation from those first times until modern day has always found place in the holy Liturgy of the Church, and now more than ever should cheer and refresh hurting and oppressed human hearts (see Pius XI, Caritate Christi Compulsi, 21).

To these hearts, especially, I would like to express my prayerful wishes for a joyous Easter. These hearts can certainly understand the fact that with life there is battle (see Leo XIII, Laetitiae Sanctae, 7). And yet, over the course of the battle of life, peace can flourish. This might appear to be a contradiction. But behold, the true peace of Christ can only exist in Christ’s Kingdom, and within our hearts His kingdom is set up (see Pius XI, Ubi Arcano Dei Consilio, 33, 49); as a result even in battle peace can exist in our hearts. In fact, with peace can come the most bitter trials. Consider the words of Isaias: “in peace is my bitterness most bitter” (Isaias xxxviii, 17; see Pius XI, Non Abbiamo Bisogno, 3).

In spite of this, peace remains “the beautiful gift of God” (Benedict XV, Pacem, Dei Munus Pulcherrimum, 1). The peace of Christ can unite, heal, and reopen men’s hearts to that shared affection which is born of brotherly love (see Pius XI, Ubi Arcano Dei Consilio, 33).

So how can we strengthen peace not only in our lives but also abroad? According to Pius XII, universal charity alone can strengthen peace (see Summi Pontificatus, 51).

Some of us might think that every Catholic considers universal charity necessary and a feature of God. But at least one Catholic author has voiced the opinion that it is a misbelief that God loves everyone. However, Pius XI did state that the divine Master embraces in the magnitude of His love all humanity, even unworthy sinners (see Divini Illius Magistri, 1). Some people might say that this cannot mean that we are to love those who choose to embrace error. But according to Pius XII, those who stray from the straight path are to be regarded as infirm brethren, and treated with soft and loving care (see Orientalis Ecclesiae, 20).

As a result, how is it possible for Catholics to consider sarcasm or roughness acceptable in treating erring souls? Some people might say that correcting with some sarcasm or roughness is occasionally the only way to help erring souls. Yet, St. Cyril, Patriarch of Alexandria, states: it is better to treat your adversaries with kindness than to make them agonize by applying the harshness of the law (see Orientalis Ecclesiae, 20).

Brethren, at the Paschal season, which commemorates Christ’s victory, our souls are filled with deep inner joy: we, therefore, should also consider that we have to rise, in union with Jesus Christ, from our cold and lazy life to one of greater warmth and holiness (see Pius XII, Mediator Dei, 159). Therefore, may every Catholic strive to be aflame with Christian charity.

This charity ought not to be satisfied with loving our enemies as brothers and not hating them; it also demands kindness (see Benedict XV, Pacem, Dei Munus Pulcherrimum, 9). There are many acts of kindness, but also many acts of unkindness. I think of rude jokes about pro-abortion politicians, and I think of pornographers being labelled as “jerks” or “losers”. When these jokes or names constitute insult, we should refrain from them. If anyone does not agree with me in this, let him consider the directive of Pope Clement XIII: “Let severity abstain from every affront” (A Quo Die, 7). The Vicar of Christ has spoken; let us heed his voice.

Trusting in the defense of Mary the Virgin Immaculate, let us humbly beg the Holy Ghost the Paraclete that He may rejuvenate the face of the earth by a new outpouring of His charity for the salvation of every person (see Benedict XV, Pacem, Dei Munus Pulcherrimum, 21). As a token of my brotherly goodwill, I make known that I heartily implore the blessing of the Lord on every person who receives this Easter Message.

February 18, 2008