Faith and Peace

By Doug Leonhardt, S.J.
Office of Mission and Identity

Web Posted: Feb. 2, 2005

“It’s easy enough to be friendly to one’s friends. But to befriend the one who regards himself as your enemy is the quintessence of true religion.  The other is mere business.” This is a quote from Mahatma Gandhi.  He echoes the words of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount.  “But I say this to you who are listening: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who treat you badly” (Luke 6.27-28).

Love makes life worth living, but its reality can be doubted if it is expressed in deeds. When love is expressed in the concrete actions of daily living, the heart expands with energy and men and women live in right relationships with one another.  Each of us knows from experience that when we live in loving and respectful relationships, we live with peace of heart and in harmony with our families and communities.

But this is not enough according to the teachings of Gandhi and Jesus. We are urged to go beyond the comfort level of befriending those who befriend us, loving those from whom we can expect the same and creating community among those who think and act like we do.  We are to step out toward those who are perceived as enemies and those who act toward us as enemies.  These men and women are also to be the subject of our affection.  

This challenge is daunting when an attitude of winning and losing is our mode of proceeding. This challenge is overwhelming if different opinions and cultures make us defensive. This challenge is impossible if personal and national security is a primary goal.  This challenge will not be accomplished unless one has faith in a God whose vision is for everyone to live as brothers and sisters.

The courage to risk communicating with an enemy, the persistence to keep opening oneself to rejection, and the countercultural drive to tear down walls of hatred with love is the message of Gandhi and Jesus.  Trying it once takes all of one’s energy; living it consistently can only happen if it is rooted in faith.  These men knew this is the narrow road to personal and world peace and a worthy cause for sacrificing one’s life.

As we hear the invitation to “construct peace” during Mission Week, we are challenged to look at other alternatives to war to bring about personal and world peace. Living more authentically our mission statement, especially the pillar of faith, will empower us as it did Gandhi and Jesus to be persons of love who reach out to both friends and foes.

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