Peace Makers are the Sons of God

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season:  Fourth Week :  Sunday*

*Gospel :  Mt 5:1-12*

*First Reading : Zepha 2:3; 3:12-13*

*Responsorial Psalm : 146:6-10*

*1 Cor 1:26-31*

*Peace Makers are the Sons of God*

*1) Why are peacemakers called “sons of God”?*

In the Bible, a “son” is one who shares the character and mission of the father.

God is revealed throughout Scripture as a God of peace (cf. Rom 15:33).

God actively creates, restores, and reconciles—between himself and humanity, and among human beings.

Therefore, those who make peace are acting as God acts.

To be called “sons of God” means:

They resemble God in their actions.

They participate in God’s work of reconciliation.

They are publicly recognized as belonging to God’s family.

This is not about biological sonship, but moral and spiritual likeness.

*2) What kind of “peace” is meant in Matthew’s Gospel?*

The peace Jesus speaks of is not merely the absence of war or conflict.

*A) Biblical concept of peace: Shalom*

The Jewish background of Jesus points to shalom, which means: Wholeness, Harmony, Right relationships, Well-being of persons and communities

So peace includes: Peace with God, Peace within oneself, Peace with others, Peace within society

*B) Peace through justice and reconciliation*

In Matthew’s Gospel: Peace is closely linked with righteousness (Mt 5:6, 5:10).

Jesus rejects superficial peace that ignores injustice (cf. Mt 10:34—not a denial of peace, but a warning that true peace may bring conflict).

True peace often requires truth, forgiveness, repentance, and courage.

Thus, peacemaking is active, not passive.

*3) What is the need for peace in the world today?*

The Beatitude is extremely relevant today.

*A) A world marked by division*

Today’s world is shaped by: Wars and political conflicts, Religious and ethnic violence, Social injustice and economic inequality, Polarization in families, communities, and even churches

Peace is needed not only at global levels but also: In homes, In workplaces, In digital spaces, In human hearts

*B) Inner peace crisis*

Modern life also creates: Anxiety, Fear, Loneliness, Anger and resentment

Without inner peace, outer peace is fragile.

*4) Significance of this Beatitude today*

This Beatitude: Calls Christians not just to love peace, but to make it

Shifts responsibility from governments alone to every believer

Challenges indifference, neutrality, and silence in the face of injustice

A peacemaker is not: 

Someone who avoids conflict at all costs

Someone who compromises truth

Rather, a peacemaker:

Faces conflict with love

Seeks reconciliation without denying justice

Builds bridges where others build walls

*5) Reflections on “Blessed are the peacemakers”*

*Peacemaking begins in the heart* : One cannot give peace without first receiving it from God. Prayer, humility, and self-examination are essential.

*Peacemaking is costly* : Jesus himself made peace through the cross. True peacemakers may be misunderstood, rejected, or hurt.

*Peacemaking is a Christian vocation* : Every baptized person is called to be an agent of reconciliation—in words, actions, and attitudes.

*Peacemakers reflect Christ* : Jesus is the ultimate Peacemaker (cf. Eph 2:14). When we forgive, reconcile, and heal divisions, we mirror Christ to the world.

*The promise is recognition by God* : The world may not always honor peacemakers, but God does: “they shall be called sons of God.”

*In a world loud with conflict and fear, peacemakers quietly reveal who God is. This Beatitude reminds us that peace is not weakness—it is divine strength in action.*

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*