"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God."

A peacemaker is one who makes peace as he is able wherever it is not found. First we must make peace with ourselves so that we may be peace for others. Moving out from there we can help others make peace with themselves. Then we can make peace with those with whom we come into contact each day. We can make peace in our workplace, in our homes, in our families. Finally we can make peace, according to our position, in society.

There is a certain tendency in man's fallen nature to be tempted to seek discord in these areas. Fostering discord in one's interior life would not seem to be anyone's desire. Yet in doing so we can smother a guilty conscience and even find an excuse therein for our misdeeds. How can we be expected to act right if we cannot see straight?

There is an evil tendency to be tempted to rejoice at the lack of peace in another. Perhaps it is someone we dislike and we rejoice at their suffering. Perhaps it is someone we have secretly envied and so we relish in thinking they are getting their due. Or maybe it is as simple as misery loving company.

Sometimes we may be tempted to be pleased at the lack of peace between our companions. Perhaps we think that through their strife we will gain a better standing with one of them. Maybe we have envied relationships and if they break down we will have an "in." An even more subtle dynamic would be rejoicing in the lack of peace between others so we can step in and be seen as the peacemaker, giving us a role and a self-identity.

All of these evil tendencies would be seen for what they are if we were at peace with ourselves. All flows out from our effort to be at peace between ourselves and God. Our efforts will be rewarded in no small way. We will be children of God throughout all eternity. Try to think often what it would be like to be called a family member in that blessed realm above. To be called a son or daughter of God - by God Himself - for all ages forever, without end! Peace brings its own reward here on earth but it brings an incomprehensibly greater one after this life.

Lord send us your Holy Spirit to illumine our minds so that we can see where peace is lacking this day and grant us the wisdom to know how to make it. Amen.