SEEKING PEACE IN THESE UNPRECEDENTED TIMES

Kirsten Shrewsberry, Editor and Diocesan Director of PR

BELIEVING IN PEACE SOMETIMES FEELS LIKE A NOVEL IDEA. I think as every year passes it’s easy to think peace is fictional as we continue to live through “unprecedented times” over and over again. A quick scroll through local media outlets doesn’t help either - shootings, car-jackings, people using divisive and hateful rhetoric, the list goes on.

On a global level the idea of “peace on earth” feels even more insane. We live in a constant state of alarm, constant panic, countries constantly in civil unrest or threatening nuclear weapons, no wonder so many people feel hopeless! When we see international conflicts that last for years on end, or cultural clashes that have gone on for generations, it’s hard not to feel helpless.

So how do we make it stop? How do we choose peace when faced with a constant barrage of negativity,

destruction, and conflict? We fix our eyes on Jesus. Our strongest tool to build the path to peace is prayer. When you find yourself overwhelmed with the influx of negative news I urge you to pause and instead pray to the One who always offers comfort and peace.

This month’s magazine is full of many topics that I hope will help you reflect on peace and find ways to advocate for peace internally, locally, and worldwide. From an insightful explanation on Just War to stories about how our Catholic schools perform corporal acts of mercy, I pray this magazine helps you discern how we can all advocate for peace. My prayers are for you, our faithful readers. Peace and blessings to you.