The true nature of peace How can we attain the peace which the Lord Jesus offers his followers? Caesarius of Arles (470-542 AD), a early church bishop in Gaul who was noted for his preaching and wisdom of Scripture, links peace with Christian character - the virtues which strengthen us in living as disciples of Christ. Caesarius describes some of the key character traits which form us into true people of peace: Peace, indeed, is serenity of mind, tranquility of soul, simplicity of heart, the bond of love, the fellowship of charity. It removes hatred, settles wars, restrains wrath, tramples on pride, loves the humble, pacifies the discordant and makes enemies agree. For it is pleasing to everyone. It does not seek what belongs to another or consider anything as its own. It teaches people to love because it does not know how to get angry, or to extol itself or become inflated with pride. It is meek and humble to everyone, possessing rest and tranquility within itself. When the peace of Christ is exercised by a Christian, it is brought to perfection by Christ. If anyone loves it, he will be an heir of God, while anyone who despises it rebels against Christ. When our Lord Jesus Christ was returning to the Father, he left his peace to his followers as their inherited good, teaching them and saying, My peace I give to you, my peace I leave with you. Anyone who has received this peace should keep it, and one who has destroyed it should look for it, while anyone who has lost it should seek it. For if anyone is not found with it, he will be disinherited by the Father and deprived of his inheritance. (Sermon 174.1)
Posted on: Mon, 19 May 2014 23:25:26 +0000
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