Peace and justice are inextricably linked. Pope Paul VI explained that the source of true peace can be found only through sincere care expressed for others, and that the sincerest form of care is, by nature, an act of justice.
Therefore, if we want peace in the world, we must work for justice.
The difficult reality we must all come to realize is that global peace and justice will not come about through passivity—we must take immediate and tangible action.
Many around the world are battling severe injustices resulting from poverty, inequality, corruption and health crises. This widespread plague of injustice can lead many good-willed people to feel helpless from the idea that they alone cannot be an effective agent of change for such a hefty and serious problem.
However, while the truth is that no one alone is capable of fixing the abounding issues in our world, many men and women taking simple, concrete actions in their communities, backed by Christ, is the elixir of change that will set the world ablaze with love, peace and justice.
Discover the impact Divine Word Missionaries are having on peace and justice around the world.
In this blog
If You Want Justice, Work For Peace: Simple Ways to Promote Peace in and Work Toward Justice
As the world faces food shortages, social and racial tensions and war, many individuals, families and communities are searching for tangible steps they can take to help establish peace and justice in the world. Here are five practical ways to begin working toward peace and justice in the world—starting within your own community:
1. Use your voice.
Sometimes, all it takes to begin building a more peaceful and inclusive society is for one person to take a stand for what is right. You can start by speaking up when you see someone being mistreated, advocating for the dignity of others in your community or joining a local organization fighting for justice.
By speaking out when you see injustices, you help raise awareness and create greater opportunities for those who are suffering.
2. Learn the signs of human trafficking
According to the United Nations’ International Labour Organization, human traffickers victimize an estimated 27.6 million people worldwide.
Often, victims encounter other people in public places while being transported. These encounters provide opportunities for rescue, and simply learning what signs to look for can dramatically increase your ability to help and save a life.
Consider educating yourself on how to spot the common signs of trafficking.
3. Volunteer at a local food bank or soup kitchen.
With the current state of the world, there are more people than ever who lack access to food and other basic necessities. Find your local food bank or soup kitchen and volunteer to help make, package or distribute food to those in need. You can also ask your parish if they have a food pantry that helps those in need. Call the parish office and ask what items are low in stock or what their greatest needs are at the moment.
By extending a helping hand to those in your community, you are sharing the peace of Christ with your neighbor.
4. Support the work of missionaries serving vulnerable populations.
Many injustices around the world stem from poverty and inequality that leave certain populations more vulnerable than others. Organizations such as Divine Word Missionaries serve within these communities to advance the cause of the marginalized and defenseless. They spread peace by bringing the healing and hope of the Gospel to those in need.
By supporting the work of Divine Word Missionaries—through prayer, advocacy or financial gifts—you work alongside us to bring peace to the world through the joy of the Gospel.
5. Pray for peace and justice.
Prayer is the most powerful tool we have. It can change the hearts of people all over the world, helping others realize the truth of their own and others’ dignity. It allows God to enter our heart and fill us with his love so that we can focus on doing his will. By joining with the voices of millions around the world, prayer connects us in the most sincere form of love of neighbor.
Prayer for Peace
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.
O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
The caliber of injustices committed around the world is so great that it can make it feel impossible to pray for every need. However, when you join Divine Word Missionaries in praying the Global Church Novena, you lift up all of the Church’s intentions in nine days of prayer. This powerful form of intercession allows the graces of your prayers to be dispersed across the world.
How Divine Word Missionaries Are Working for Peace and Justice:
Catholics have a special responsibility to act for peace and justice in the world. Fighting for peace and justice remains a key priority for Divine Word Missionaries, a priority that we live out in our daily work in countries around the world.
Divine Word Missionaries promote peace and justice through their work in three main areas:
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Schools and Orphanages: Children often suffer the greatest harm as victims of violence and injustice. We work with local churches and local authorities in underdeveloped areas of the world to offer education to children who are impoverished or abandoned. We provide food, lodging and education for orphanages around the world.
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Human Trafficking: Human trafficking and slavery are abhorrent to all people of goodwill. Divine Word Missionaries condemn human trafficking and offer support and resources to help victims escape lives of slavery or prostitution.
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Migrants and Refugees: The refugee and migrant crisis is one of today’s greatest global emergencies. Our priests, Brothers and lay missionaries around the world are constantly faced with the reality of this crisis, and they continually serve the refugees in need who arrive at the doors of their churches, centers and ministries.
Stay Updated Through Stories—Join Us in Prayer
Whatever you choose to do, the most important thing is that you pray and take tangible action to help bring about peace and justice in our world. The road to global peace is not easy, but the path forward can start simply. It starts with each of us loving our neighbor as Christ loves us and taking actions motivated by this belief.
We invite you to learn more about our efforts in the mission field by signing up for Impact Update—our monthly newsletter that shares stories from the mission field, updates from our widespread communities and resources to guide your prayers for those in need.
If you feel called to support Divine Word Missionaries in promoting peace and justice around the world, consider making a financial gift to support our missions. Together, and through the mercy of Jesus Christ, we can bring about worldwide peace and justice in our lifetime.
