January 1 has been traditionally observed as the World Day of Prayer for Peace. It was first proclaimed by Pope Paul VI in 1968. During his weekly audience the pope said his hope was that “this celebration would take place each year as a sign of hope and promise, at the beginning of the calendar which measures and guides the journey of human life through time, in order that Peace, with its just and salutary equilibrium, will dominate the unfolding of history yet to come.”
We know how much peace the world needs today. There are many unresolved armed conflicts around the world – Iraq, Afghanistan, many places in Africa. Today we especially need to pray for peace in Sudan that awaits the referendum. We, as Christians, must never lose hope. In a child Jesus, born of Mary, we recognize and worship the King of Peace. He must reign in our hearts. John Paul II reminded us that the two pillars of peace are justice and forgiveness. May we strive this New Year to be a people of peace.
John Paul II. Homily on January 1, 2002
Hail, holy Mother! I have placed The World Day of Peace under Mary’s motherly gaze. Let us reflect on peace in this climate of widespread anxiety on account of the recent tragic events that have shaken the world. But although it may seem humanly difficult to look to the future with optimism, we must not give in to the temptation to despair. On the contrary, we must work for peace courageously, certain that evil will not prevail.
The light and hope for this commitment come to us from Christ. The Child born in Bethlehem is the eternal Word of the Father who became flesh for our salvation, he is “God-with-us”, who brings with him the secret of true peace. He is the Prince of Peace.
Justice and forgiveness: these are the two “pillars” of peace, and I wanted to draw attention to them both. Between justice and forgiveness there is not opposition but complementarity, because both are essential for promoting peace. Indeed, far more than a temporary ceasefire, this is the deep healing of the wounds that weary souls (cf. Message, n. 3). Only forgiveness can quench the thirst for revenge and open hearts to an authentic and lasting reconciliation among peoples.
Today we turn our gaze to the Child whom Mary holds in her arms. In Him we recognize the One in whom mercy and truth meet, justice and peace embrace (cf. Ps 84,11). In Him we adore the true Messiah, in whom, for our salvation, God joined together truth and mercy, justice and forgiveness.
In God’s name I renew my heartfelt appeal to all, believers and non-believers, so that the two words, “justice and peace” may always be impressed upon relations between individuals, social groups and peoples.