In the face of the many conflicts affecting a large part of humanity, it is more essential than ever to pray for peace. We live in a world where political tensions, social crises and natural disasters seem to multiply, leaving a trail of suffering and division in their wake. Yet even in this climate of uncertainty, there is a force capable of transforming everything: inner peace.
Every day at midday, I take a moment to pray for peace in the world. It was the Work of Mary, also known as the Focolare Movement, that inspired me to adopt this beautiful habit. This international movement, founded by Chiara Lubich, encourages its members to pray for peace at midday, wherever they may be. Thanks to the Focolare’s presence on every continent, there’s always someone, at every hour of the day, raising a prayer for peace. It’s an unbroken chain of hope that resonates around the world.
But beyond prayer, what can we do concretely to promote peace around us? Prayer is a powerful act, but our actions, too, can become instruments of peace. It all starts with ourselves. It’s hard to spread peace if we haven’t first cultivated it in our own hearts. By practicing forgiveness, by being more kind to those around us, by choosing to respond with love rather than anger, we become bearers of peace.
Secondly, we can make simple gestures which, however modest they may seem, can have a big impact. Taking part in peace events, supporting local initiatives that encourage social cohesion, or even acts of kindness in our daily lives – all these contribute to building a more peaceful world. Peace is not just the absence of war or violence; it is also the presence of acts of love, justice and solidarity.
Pope Francis, in a homily delivered on May 15, 2024, offered us a valuable reflection on what it means to be a peacemaker in our daily lives. He said: “We also build peace ‘in our homes, in our families, between neighbors, in the places where we work, in the neighborhoods where we live’. We build it by helping a migrant on the street, by visiting a lonely elderly person, by respecting the mistreated Earth, by welcoming every unborn child.”
It’s these small gestures that, taken together, form a great movement towards peace. We are all called to contribute, each in our own way. As the Gospel says: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. (Mt 5:9).
So, in our daily actions, prayers and intentions, may we be the peacemakers our world so desperately needs.
Peace be with you!
Anne Godbout
