You hear about it often, that people in different countries are demanding an end to wars, that they long for lasting peace throughout the earth. Maybe you took part in the celebrations, during which it was often repeated : No more war! You see the word "peace" written in many languages every year on various posters and banners (e.g.. Pax, Peace, peace, Me, Pace…). Today, peace is the great desire of all mankind. You too would certainly like to live, develop, study and work in peace. Who can make the desires of this peace come true ?
God announces the coming of justice and peace
Chosen nation, surrounded by stronger states, he often had to wage wars. He recognized, what is defeat and slavery, injustice and harm. During the greatest national calamities, God sent prophets and announced deliverance, peace and the imminent coming of David's promised kingdom. According to the prophets, a new era would begin for all peoples, the era of justice and peace. The prophet Isaiah says so :
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light ; on those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, a light shone forth…
For a child has been born for us,
The son has been given to us, power rested on his shoulders. He was named after him : A strange advisor, Mighty God,
Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
Great will be his reign of peace without limits on David's throne and over his kingdom, which He will establish and strengthen
law and justice, henceforth and forever.
The jealous love of the Lord God of hosts will do it” (From 9, 1.5-6).
Messiah - "Prince of Peace"
Prophets vividly describe the happiness of the future messianic age. Isaiah foretells the end of wars, he says, that people "will then forge their swords into plowshares, and your spears on sickles " (From 2, 4). They will enjoy the fruits of their labor in peace. They will not suffer any more, and no nation will rise up against another nation. All people will know God and will love each other.
Prophets, especially Isaiah, they say, that the happiness of the messianic age will be the work of the King, which God will send to his people. God will give him his wisdom and power.
This king will be a descendant of David. You remember, that Samuel anointed David to be king. Hence the king was called "the anointed" - in Hebrew "messiah". Later, the "messiah" was called the future announced king, a descendant of David, who is promised to wear eternal, indestructible kingdom.
Christ is building the kingdom of peace
On Christmas night, during the solemn Mass. called Shepherdess, you will hear the prophecy about the birth of the Messianic Prince of Peace. Jesus is this announced and long-awaited Messiah-King. Messiah in Greek means "Christos" - hence, when we say Jesus Christ, we confess, that Jesus is the Messiah. He began building a Kingdom of true peace on earth, and continues to do so through the Church. In the Church, he wants to unite all people's efforts to bring peace on earth. Christ begins to build peace by healing the human heart from selfishness and hatred. This God's peace, with whom he bestows the human heart, it can ensure lasting peace among nations.
How will I answer God ?
The Messianic Kingdom of universal and true peace began with the advent of Jesus Christ. Christ the King, "Son of David", invites all people to collaborate on this work. Believers in Christ and united with Him through Baptism and the Eucharist, they are called to do so, to bring God's peace and justice into the life of the human family.
At the beginning of the new millennium of faith in our homeland, Polish bishops announced the "Social Crusade of Love", which is to contribute to the removal of selfishness and hatred. In this way, the crusade of love helps build the Kingdom of Peace.
Do you remember, that true peace begins in the heart of man, which is free from hate ? - What are you doing, that peace and justice may reign in you and in your surroundings ? Ask God, that all people would unite around Christ - Prince of Peace by speaking : "Your kingdom come" (Mt 6, 10).
■ Think:
1. What God promises with the advent of the Prince of Peace ?
2. What characterizes the King announced by the prophets, "Prince of Peace" ?
3. What characteristics do the prophets attribute to messianic times? ?
4. Explain, which means the term : Messiah, Christ ?
■ Remember:
68. What will be the era of the Messianic Kingdom? ?
The era of the Messianic Kingdom will be marked by enduring universal peace and justice.
69. Who will be the creator of messianic peace?
The creator of the messianic peace will be a descendant of David, "Prince of Peace", Jesus Christ.
■ Task :
Idea, what do you do, to actively join the "Social Crusade of Love".
■ Compare:
Word of god: „…A wand will grow out of Jesse's trunk, a shoot will come out from its root.
And the Spirit of the Lord will rest on her, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, a spirit of counsel and bravery, the spirit of knowledge and fear of God.
He will be a mediator among the peoples and will pronounce sentences for many nations. Then they will forge their swords into plowshares, and his spears on sickles.
Nation against nation will not raise the sword, will not train to war anymore " (From 11, 1-2; 2, 4). “Behold, the days will come, when I will raise up a just Branch for David. He will reign as king, by acting wisely, and he will do law and justice in the earth. In his days, Judah will be saved, and Israel will live safely. This will be a name, which they will call him : "God is our righteousness" " (Jr 23, 5-6).
The teaching of the Church : “But earthly peace, which arises from the love of one's neighbor, it is the image and effect of the peace of Christ, flowing from God the Father. For the Incarnate Son Himself, Prince of Peace, he reconciled all people with God through his cross, and restoring all unity in one People and one Body, he put to death the hatred in his own flesh, and, lifted up by the resurrection, he poured out the Spirit of love on human hearts.
That is why Christians are urgently called upon, that "by doing the truth in love", joined with sincerely peaceful people to appease and restore peace " (KDK 78).