Blessed are the Peacemakers

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”

What does it mean to be a peacemaker? 

I suppose someone can live peacefully when they never have to face conflict. But that would be like fasting when there are no food options. A true peacemaker is someone who maintains their own peace when provoked.

A philosopher who lived before Christ was born said, "He who conquers others is strong, but he who conquers himself is mighty!"  In this sorrow, we see a Mother facing the brutal, humiliating torture of her Son. This would provoke anyone. Yet Mary kept her peace. She conquered any reflexive instinct that might have led to retaliation.  Mary's resilient but tender peace shows us that she is mighty!

Not only did she keep her peace, but her peace brought consolation to others. St. Luke tells us that women who saw Jesus were in need of his consolation. (Luke 23:27) But Luke doesn't mention Mary as one who needed consolation, not because she wasn't there, but because she didn't need consolation.

Imagine that playing out in your own life. Imagine facing your worst nightmare and not needing the reassurance of God. Because the brutal humiliations and torture of her Son would sure be Mary's worst nightmare. But did she need an encouraging word from her Son?

Here's what I think. I think that Mary was so resigned to the will of God that trust in God was her source of peace.  She knew better than anyone that the Messiah had to suffer.  She knew the road to an empty tomb runs right through the cross. She knew that in order to restore the peace of Eden, her Son had to pay the penalty of Eve's disobedience. And that's why she had peace.

I'm not saying it was easy.  Every blood-stained step Jesus took would tear at her heart. Every hard word from a stranger would shake her soul. Every brutal command from his executioners would try to rob her of peace. 

But nothing took her peace away. 

And she didn't just have peace. She made peace. She made peace with the indifferent onlooker as well as those who tortured and killed her Son.

Mary brought peace to everyone around her in the face of her worst nightmare.  Let us follow her example that as we face our own nightmares, we can respond peacefully, "Behold the handmaid of the LORD, let it be done unto me according to your word."

Because when we say "yes" to God, we help bring Christ to the world, in our hearts, and to others. And in so doing, we become sons of God.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”

If you are reading this, then you want to grow closer to Jesus through Mary. My goal is to provide you and others with resources that help you experience the promises of the Seven Sorrows. Others have experienced these blessings. If you have not made a resolution to pray this Devotion every day, I urge you to make a commitment today!