“Blessed are the peacemakers” (Matthew 5:9) truly are inspiring words. Especially at this time of year we hear sermons and pious statements from religious and secular leaders on that very theme. Indeed, in light of the recent carnage in Mumbai, India, these words are particularly poignant. And what could be wrong with making peace? Nothing; so long as we understand that peace is not the mere cessation of hostilities; that peace without justice is a chimera; that a peace which does not address the difficult issues underlying the conflict is a temporary truce at best that actually encourages more war. Unfortunately, our contemporaries hunger for peace so terribly that our would-be peacemakers ignore these important distinctions with alacrity.
