By Fr. Antony Mookenthottam MSFS

Peace is a gift of Jesus. It is his own peace, his parting gift. The world is not able to give it (Jn. 14:27). For peace is the fruit of the death and resurrection of Jesus (Col. 1:20-23). It reigns in our hearts (Col. 3:15). Peace transcends all understanding (Ph. 4:7). Such overwhelming peace is both a gift and a realization. Saint Francis de Sales was very conscious of it. So he gave great importance to peace in Christian life. He was not tired of encouraging his friends and directees: “ A bide in Peace, Remain in peace.” The background of his attitude as well as his teaching is scripture itself.

Saint Francis de Sales did not write any treatise on peace. He had written something on peace for the benefit of a spiritual daughter, a religious of a convent in Paris. It was meant for private use. Unfortunately it is lost. So his thoughts on peace are to be gathered from his writings. For a more holistic idea of peace in St. Francis de Sales, what he wrote on humility meekness, patience, friendship, temptations, anxiety and so forth are to be taken into consideration.

Francis de Sales touches most of the biblical dimensions of peace such as a precious gift, reconciliation, peace with God, peace with one another and so forth. As a pastor and spiritual director he was more concerned with peace of mind, serenity and tranquillity of heart and the means to acquire it. This contributed much to the success of his ministry. He pointed out ways and means of discerning interior peace as well as peace as a sign of inspiration. He also described the experience of peace in relationship with growth in prayer. All these have great relevance today, in the context of the multiplicity of problems affecting society at large.