St. Gregory of Nyssa and Peace

Meditation one

What is peace? This is the first in a series of reflections on St. Gregory of Nyssa’s meditation about peace.

Jesus said that he did not come to bring peace but division. Yet in other places, Jesus says, “Peace I give to you” and “Blessed are the peacemakers.” St. Paul declared that Jesus is our peace.

St. Gregory says that we are true Christians if our lives express Christ by our own peace. Our own peace can come only after each of us has made a decision to follow Jesus wholeheartedly. Think of the peace that comes to you when you firmly decide to do what is right, what is good.

But when you decide to love, to forgive, to bless then you might be rejected and despised. This is when your peace is put to the test. Will you keep your peace or will you become bitter and resentful? Remember that Jesus has put enmity to death.