Pacific: one word, two perspectives

The word ‘peaceful’ has rich and contrasting meanings, depending on whether it is considered in a spiritual or political context.

In the Bible, it embodies a lofty spiritual and moral attitude. In the Beatitudes, Jesus proclaims: ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God’ (Mt 5:9). Here, being a peacemaker goes far beyond the mere absence of conflict. It requires active efforts to promote reconciliation, justice and harmony, guided by pure love. This concept forms part of a quest for peace, both inner and outer, a transcendent ideal that drives us to build harmonious relationships.

In political discourse, however, ‘peaceful’ takes on a pragmatic and strategic dimension. An American president recently stated: ‘We want a peaceful future, but a peaceful future requires strength and vigilance’. In this context, peace is an objective conditioned by balances of power, requiring caution, firm negotiations and, at times, demonstrations of strength. This vision is based on the dynamics of diplomacy and power, far removed from the spiritual ideal of love and justice.

Whilst the Bible sees peace as a call to transcendence, politics sees it as a strategic issue in a competitive world.

What if, beyond these two perspectives, the real question were: how can each individual contribute to a peace that is both inner and collective, spiritual and pragmatic, in a world seeking balance?

May peace be with us!