A peace the world cannot give: that is my gift to you. (John 14:27)
I’ve always enjoyed science fiction, and especially Star Trek. A fascinating thing science fiction - is that strange alien races and species often hold up a mirror to ourselves and our societies. One such is the Klingons, a noble but war like people, for whom the waging of war is a solemn duty.
There is a Klingon language, and Klingon sayings. One such is "Vengeance is a dish best served cold". (No doubt there are more earthly claims to the origin of these words). It a literally chilling saying. It means that even if you think you are at peace with the Klingons, the act of revenge may just be round the corner.
This saying holds up a mirror to what we might mean when we talk of Peace.
Peace is one of those words which we hear so frequently, yet which is rarely defined. When a conflict rages whether it be amongst children at school or at home or in an international conflict, "Peace" is the name we give to the end of the conflict. The trouble is, when this kind of peace is present, the conflict, the bitterness, the hurt and resentment lurks just below the surface, ready to erupt, sometimes with ferocity. Revenge - a dish best served cold.
Peace is a plea, it might seem, which emerges from exhaustion and defeat. It is nothing very much in itself, just normality, and the absence of conflict. Parties come together for peace talks when one side or both realize that they cannot win. Amongst families or friends we try to make peace when the bitterness has ebbed and we desire some reconciliation. Peace is the remedy to conflict, and once the conflict has passed, and the grievances addressed or put aside, then we pretend to move to normality, and get on with our lives. We never need think of peace again, just as, when the noise has abated, we do not need to wish for quiet.
This - to adapt the words of Jesus - is the peace which the world gives. When there has been war, conflict or hatred it is no bad thing. But there is another peace, a peace which the world cannot give. This, like love, is the Gift of God.
But what does it mean?
Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid, Christ tells us. This is the peace which the world cannot give, the peace which comes from Christ himself. It is a peace which we cannot create for ourselves, but which comes only from life lived in faith. It shows itself as a serenity in the face of trouble, a trust in the purposes of God when life is difficult, a calmness and courage when facing illness or suffering.
But is does not only appear when times are hard. It is always there. It is hope. It is comfort. It is an attitude to life, it is dependence on God. It is a peaceful heart.
This peace is for us a sign of hope and cause for trust in God. It is the awareness of the love of the good Shepherd, it is the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
And this Peace is not an escape from the troubles of the world. It is not a denial of the world's troubles, like a drug which makes us oblivious to our pains or anxieties. On the contrary, it maes us more aware of the lack of peace in the world.
If we have that inner peace, we will always long for the outer peace. It is true, when we hold grudges and bitterness in our hearts, then we will seek revenge and be driven by malice. But when our hearts are filled with peace, we want others to know the same peace.
And so while worldly peace is often absent, while war ranges and hatred abounds, while we are in the middle of conflict and suffering adversity, the Divine Peace never departs. The Divine Peace is a strength and comfort in time of trouble. It is the yearning for reconciliation, the drive for forgiveness, the pledge and presence of salvation.
This is what Jesus meant when he said "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they be called the Sons of God".
Is Vengeance a dish best served cold? If so, it has a bitter taste which will never be enough. Sweeter and more satisfying is to feast on Peace.
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