“What causes wars among you?” asks the apostle James, and he himself gives the answer: “Is it not your passions that are at war in your members? You fight and wage war” (cf. James 4:1–2).
There are paths to true peace, and James’ words give us a clue. If we want to contribute to the peace that our heavenly Father desires to grant humanity, we must begin with ourselves, restraining the destructive passions that dwell within us.
But that is not enough. Above all, we must turn our hearts to You, beloved Father, and assimilate Your love more deeply. How else could we forgive even our enemies? Our human love would not be enough!
How can we become a “flower of peace”? Would it not emanate at least some of the sweet fragrance of the Virgin Mary, the clarity of the Holy Spirit, the purity of the angels, the strength of Your saints?
It would undoubtedly be a wonderful fragrance, perhaps similar to that of good incense, as when the prayers of the saints rise up to You (cf. Rev 5:8).
In any case, it would be a beautiful flower growing in the garden of Your love, like a fig tree that bears fruit in its season. And in our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, we would have the best gardener! He would take great delight in seeing the flower of peace—nourished by His Word and purified by His Blood—blossom for Your glory.
However, the “flower of peace” will have to face a great challenge. It cannot yet live in the tranquility of the heavenly garden, but must prove its worth among thorns and thistles if it is to serve peace on Earth.