In a world rife with division, a core teaching of Christ’s Sermon on the Mount echoes ever more loudly today: Blessed are the peacemakers. True peace extends beyond simply the absence of conflict. It is found in God and achieved through him alone.
God calls us to receive peace from him and bear it in his name. So, what is a peacemaker, and how can you live this call in your own life, taking to heart the message of the Beatitudes?
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What Does “Blessed Are the Peacemakers” Mean?
In the Beatitudes, Jesus’ seventh rule for happiness pertains to one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit: peace. He proclaims:
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God (Matthew 5:9).
Peace comes from the Hebrew word shalôm, meaning “complete” or “whole.” According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, “Peace is the tranquility of order. Peace is the work of justice and the effect of charity” (CCC 2304). True peace takes its roots in justice.
The peace Jesus speaks about refers to reconciliation in three key areas:
- peace between us and God
- peace within ourselves
- peace between us and our neighbors
God created humanity in Imago Dei—in his image—meaning we all reflect God’s nature as adopted sons and daughters. God himself is a peacemaker, so when Jesus says that peacemakers are children of God, he means we reflect him when we actively seek to make peace. Though perfect peace will never fully exist in this life, we are still called to strive for it in every area of our lives.
Join the Global Church Novena to pray for peace in the world.
What Is a Peacemaker?
Peacemakers are those who continually seek to reconcile themselves with God and with others. Peacemakers do not simply avoid conflict; they actively pursue justice, offer forgiveness and seek unity.
Jesus calls us to be peacemakers—not just to will peace, hope for it, or think about it, but to actively work for it. A peacemaker:
- offers forgiveness regularly
- advocates for those who are oppressed or marginalized
- pursues reconciliation in strained relationships
- unifies where division exists
Being a peacemaker is a conscious, ongoing effort. It is a reflection of God’s love and a path toward holiness.
How to Be a Peacemaker
The pursuit of peace must permeate every facet of our lives. Peace is not stagnant. It begins with us, within our hearts, and radiates outward toward others, our communities and the world.
How to Be a Peacemaker at Home
Our first opportunity to practice peacemaking is in our homes, where foundational relationships shape who we are. To be a peacemaker at home, you can
- fill your heart with God through prayer
- offer forgiveness when a family member has wronged you
- seek reconciliation among relatives
- reach out to estranged family members through a call, text or visit, opening a path toward healing
How to Be a Peacemaker in the Community
Outside our homes, Jesus calls us to engage in peace-building within our communities
- serve your neighbors and care for the common good
- participate in local initiatives that support justice and the marginalized
- advocate for policies that promote the well-being of all, especially the poor and vulnerable
- partake in community prayer
How to Be a Peacemaker to the World
Being a peacemaker on a global scale may seem daunting, but even small actions can contribute to greater peace
- support organizations and missionaries dedicated to peace and justice
- vote for representatives who create peaceful policies
- educate yourself and others on global issues and ways to contribute to peace
Answer Christ’s Call to Become a Peacemaker
Being a peacemaker is a lifelong call. Divine Word Missionaries live this call every day, serving communities around the world by pursuing peace and justice through founding orphanages, fighting human trafficking and providing aid to refugees and migrants.
From advocacy to action, Divine Word Missionaries bring hope to communities affected by conflict, embodying the peace Christ teaches in the Beatitudes. Learn more about Divine Word Missionaries’ impact on peace and justice by exploring our resource.
If you wish to support our peacemaking efforts, consider making a gift to help Divine Word Missionaries reach even more communities in need of the peace the message of Christ brings.
