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Be At Peace Among Yourselves

About this article

This reflection from My Dear Young Friends: Saint John Paul II Speaks to Teens on Life, Love, and Courage is about peacemaking.

"Be at peace among yourselves." (1 Thessalonians 5:13)

"None of us is alone in this world; each of us is a vital piece of the great mosaic of humanity as a whole." (Pope John Paul II, Israel-Palestine)

Think About That
In speaking to the young people in Israel and Palestine, John Paul II is addressing people who have been at war with one another for more than two thousand years. The Holy Father believes that young people can be peacemakers. In fact, he believes that young people have a unique opportunity to be builders of peace in this world. We can change the way the history unfolds by recognizing that we all need one another. We must live in peace.

Take Action
This week, when you find yourself in an argument with someone else, stop and ask yourself, "What can I do in this situation to make peace between us?" Ask the person you are arguing with this simple question, "What can we do to make peace?" At Mass on Sunday, during the sign of peace, remember this situation and feel in your heart what real peace means.

Say a Prayer
Lord, help me to be a peacemaker among my friends.

Acknowledgments

(This reflection is adapted from My Dear Young Friends: Saint John Paul II Speaks to Teens on Life, Love, and Courage, edited by John Vitek. Copyright © 2014 by Saint Mary's Press. Permission is granted for this reflection to be used for classroom or campus ministry purposes. This reflection may not be republished in any form without written permission from Saint Mary's Press. To order this book, contact Saint Mary's Press at 800-533-8095, or visit our website.

Published September 11, 2001.