Many people say that they do not watch the news on TV anymore because it is never anything but bad news.

Sometimes you can clearly see what they mean and it can be very tempting to join them. With modern technology, with the advanced communication systems we have, we are instantly aware of events anywhere in the world.

Such horrific events such as in Gaza and Ukraine are broadcast into our living rooms on a 24 hour a day basis. In both cases we wonder where it is going to end and we live in fear of escalation and deepening divisions and the drawing in of more nations and groups into the respective conflicts.

I am sure that as we look at these and so many other conflicts the one thing that people want more than anything else is peace. We all wish there could be peace, but what do we mean by “Peace”?

At one level that means an end to violence, that wars will come to an end, but is that true peace? The cessation of violence can be more about fear of what each side could do to the other but is that true peace?

Surely peace is much more than that? Is real peace built on building arsenals of weapons that can wipe out the human race several times over. Or is real peace found in a deep desire to all look out for one another, to build bridges? It is about finding the commonality, what we share with one another that goes beyond all that divides.

Real peace is so much more than non-violence. In John’s Gospel in the New Testament, we read: Jesus said, “Peace is my parting gift to you, my own peace such as the World cannot give. Set your troubled hearts at rest and banish your fears.”

May we pray for that peace throughout the world. Let us look to truly live as one be that among or within nations, among or within communities or indeed in our own personal relationships, seeking true peace, not just for ourselves but for everyone.