We live in a world full of troublemakers. Most often, we think of the conflict happening around us today, but it has always been so. In 1968, a major newspaper reported that there had been 14,553 known wars from 36 BC to date. In the 50 years since 1958, over 100 nations have been involved in one way or another in armed conflict of some kind. There has always been conflict. Many believe there always will be. Someone had said: "Peace is that glorious moment in history when everyone stops to reload." When Jesus said: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God," it must have sounded strange to his followers. Certainly, almost all listening to Jesus that day were Jews struggling to live under the dominion of Rome. Many of them wanted to see Rome defeated and run out of their country. There were Zealots among them who believed that the only way there would be peace in Israel was through hostility. Now they were being called to be peacemakers. But this beatitude is not speaking about pacifism or disarmament. This beatitude is not a prescription for peace in the international arena. This beatitude is about peace, first with God, and then between people. In the 'Sermon on the Mount', Jesus was speaking in terms of the kingdom of God, which is a spiritual kingdom. Jesus' kingdom is not of this world. He said that many times. Jesus came down to show the way of peace between God and men, between God and women. We must realise that true peacemaking begins within our hearts when we make our peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Then we shall receive His spirit and be sons and daughters of God. NBF meet 6.30 pm in the chapel at Pant-y- Gorphwys farmhouse on the main A478 near the Penblewin roundabout - visitors welcome.
