Is Peace In The World Possible?
Is peace and happiness possible for all people?
Dear brothers and sisters,
The prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 11: 1-10) opens before us a vision of the world, a world more beautiful than we could ever dream of:
Then the wolf shall be a guest of the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; the calf and the young lion shall browse together, with a little child to guide them. The cow and the bear shall be neighbors, together their young shall rest;
This peaceful harmony of creation reminds us of the paradise we once knew and lost. When human beings and creation lived together with deep trust and joy in the presence of God. Isaiah sees this relationship come alive again in the tender beginning of a young shoot growing:
On that day, a shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse, and from his roots a bud shall blossom. The spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him: a spirit of wisdom and of understanding, a spirit of counsel and of strength, a spirit of knowledge and of fear of the LORD.
In such a world, there is no hostility, no violence, no hatred, there is no war. These visions and images speak of a world whose beauty goes beyond our imagination.
They open our hearts to dream.
The figure of John the Baptist in this evening’s Gospel appears very different. His view of humanity is sharp, clear, and without disguise:
“You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce good fruit as evidence of your repentance.”
Repent?
Do we really need to repent? In Matthew’s Gospel Matthew 3: 1-12) moment we hear how many people have gathered around John. Perhaps they sensed that something in their lives needed to change.
Have you experienced such moments too? Moments when we avoid speaking about problems or challenges, when silence feels easier than confronting what needs to be faced. Moments when words of reconciliation get stuck in our throats because fear steals the courage to act. Moments when, instead of offering a kind and honest word, we wound others with a careless remark or unkind action.
In our families, in our friendships and beyond, we know how difficult relationships can be, and how much patience and growth they require. John challenges us to a change of mind and heart, to a change of action, to repent. He calls us to conversion because he, too, is touched and inspired by the prophet Isaiah’s vision.
Peace And Justice For All?
John knows — from his own life experience — that we cannot create a world of peace and justice for all. We can not care for creation purely only by our own strength. We need God’s help and support if we are to live this dream.
A world where peace and justice is truly possible for all.
Yes, peace in the world is possible - but it begins with me.
Reconciliation is possible - but it begins with me.
Justice is possible - but it begins with me.
On this challenging personal path, great or spectacular gestures are not what matter. What counts are the small steps – each small step toward peace — is already a victory.
Isaiah & The Baptist
When we look at the propthet Isaiah and John the Baptist in this way, they stand side by side. They are companions, united by the same vision of a renewed humanity and world.
Humans have a natural sense for love, for relationship, for peace. Each one of us is created out of love. And it is in this love that we find a meaningful answer to our existence.
A kind word — a gesture of reconciliation — an act of concrete charity. There are many paths of conversion.
But one thing is essential:
“There is nothing good unless you do it.” This sentence comes from Erich Kästner (1950). It is a reminder that initiative matters — words alone and good intentions without action, are not enough to change the world.
Let Us Pray
I would like to close my impulse with a prayer:
Good and loving God, guide our feet in every small step forward to what is good.
Fill us with the power of your Spirit. Give us strength and support, so that we may bring your peace into the world of today and tomorrow.
Praised be Jesus Christ – now and forever. Amen.