This surely, then, is a good a time as ever to reexamine what Jesus meant by calling on His followers to be peacemakers. However, Jesus emphatically said that His followers ought to be peacemakers! Every day when we watch, read or listen to the news, we’re told of the casualties and consequences of war. Now, I’m aware that the accusation is often made that religion is the cause of war. As the founder of the world’s largest religion, Jesus pronounced a blessing upon those who are peacemakers. Some 2000 years ago, Jesus, during His first recorded public address, made the following statement: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9). Sadly, such a noble sentiment-the call for just one day of peace-is a highly unlikely reality.Ĭalls for peace are not new. To them I say: stop the killings and the destruction, and create space for lasting peace.” In preparation for the 2015 Day of Peace, United Nations secretary-general Ban Ki-moon made this plea: “I call on all warring parties to lay down their weapons and observe a global ceasefire. The date was originally chosen to coincide with the opening session of the General Assembly, and the first Day of Peace was observed on September 21, 1982. However, it’s the International Day of Peace that was established by the United Nations General Assembly to remind the world to devote itself to the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples. September 21 may not be a date that holds any special significance to you or to most other people, for that matter.

Images of peace on earth