Pursuing Peace: A Catholic Faith Perspective on Israel and Iran

In a world marked by conflict and division, the pursuit of peace between nations is a noble and urgent endeavor. The tensions between Israel and Iran is worrying. There has indeed been longstanding and complex conflicts in the Middle East and other countries where war is imminent but as Catholics, we are called to seek reconciliation and understanding, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable differences.

The Catholic Church has a rich tradition of promoting peace and reconciliation, drawing inspiration from the teachings of Jesus Christ and the wisdom of the word of God in Holy Scriptures which we should promote as believers.

Everyone must be concerned about this Crisis. In efforts to foster peace between Israel and Iran, we can let us reflect on the following biblical inspirations and quotes to inspire and guide us on our response and as ways of giving hope to God’s people.

Think about the Beatitudes. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus proclaims, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9) This reminds us of the importance of actively working towards peace and reconciliation, even amid conflict.

Jesus says we should forgive seventy times seven and the Holy Bible teaches us the power of forgiveness in healing wounds and restoring relationships. As we seek peace between Israel and Iran, we must be willing to let go of bitterness and resentment and extend a hand of reconciliation, viewing all as God’s People.

Dialogue and Understanding as portrayed in Proverbs 15:1 tells us, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” By engaging in respectful dialogue and seeking to understand the perspectives of both sides, we can pave the way for peaceful resolutions in a prayerful manner.

Love of Neighbor. In Mark 12:31, Jesus commands us to “Love our neighbors as we love ourselves.” This includes our neighbors in Israel and Iran, reminding us of our shared humanity and the need to treat each other with compassion and empathy. Pope Francis recently released the declaration “DIGNITAS INFINITA” on human dignity.

Linking to the above this document which hints at injustices that undermine human dignity, such as “extreme poverty, equating it to the unequal distribution of resources and wars where so many innocent civilians, children, and mothers perish on a battlefield and one journeys seeking hope, all these and much more sufferings in the face of war cause enormous human suffering. As people of the same blood, we need to pray but also act and be agents of peace. I love St. Francis’s SONG: Make Me a Channel of Your Peace.

As we reflect on these faith-driven principles and teachings, let us pray for peace between Israel and Iran, and other countries facing wars. Let us commit ourselves to being instruments of Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity in our world that is deeply in need of healing. May we be guided by the spirit of Love, Care, Peace, and Understanding as we work towards and pray for a future where all nations can coexist in harmony and mutual respect as God’s people of the same blood, origin, and destiny.

Photo by: Adolf Mugume CSC

May God Bless you.

Add the Word “Pray for Peace, Work for Peace” in the comment section if this reflection makes you feel we need to do something to promote Peace.

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