Blessed be the Peacemakers

Most of us have heard that verse from Matthew 5:9. The term “peacemaker” has different meanings to each of us. Having been involved in law enforcement for most of my life, police officers come to my mind first. I know that I have always tried to be a peacemaker and protector for all of God’s children.

The work of modern day law enforcement is very complex and dangerous, not like old television shows. I have told countless people over the years that I would love to be laid off due to lack of work. This would mean that people were getting along and living in peace “loving their neighbor as their self.” Christ stated that “great commandment” as Christians (followers of Christ) we should do just that; but, in today’s world we have a very large population of Christians who say they follow Christ, but speak and more importantly act to the contrary of this mandate. You can’t be a Christian which says you obey Christ, then hate, demean or strike your neighbor.

This attitude of hatred is self evident in our world today. Violence, stealing and destruction of property are seen all over. Respect for authority seems to be at an all time low. Support for our local peacemakers is also at an all time low. Yes, there are police officers who, “Tarnish the badge” because of their actions which make all law enforcement look bad. As with any job, there are some “bad apples”, but I can assure you that the average police officer is honest, caring and hardworking. They are doing a very difficult job and they are always under the proverbial “microscope.”

Police officers see people at their worst. Most of the time a citizen is not going to call the officer and upon arrival say, “I just wanted to thank you for patrolling our area, you are doing a great job.” Contrary, during the tension and emotion of difficult and sometimes a life or death situation, the officer has to make a decision in sometimes split seconds and take action. Most of the time, suspects are not cooperative and may actively resist law enforcement efforts. Or worse, they may attack the officers. Sometimes, family members or others on the scene may turn their frustrations and aggressions on the officer, as well.

In a perfect “Christian world” our brothers and sisters in Christ would cooperate, calm down, follow the officer’s instructions or just leave when told, but that is not how real life is today for the officer and the society he is sworn to protect.

Criminologists, physiologists and sociologist’s types can point to many causes for violence and lawlessness “broken families”, poverty, drug abuse, lack of parental involvement etc. However, one only needs to look at God’s plan for his people to come up with some solutions. One of the first would be marriage and parents loving and supporting the fruits of the marriage--- the children. Providing a loving protecting, and nurturing “domestic church.”

As a community, we also need to work together with police and emergency services. Citizen involvement is vital to public safety. Reporting suspicious activities calling your emergency phone number as soon as something looks or sound like trouble, talking with police about your concerns, can all be great steps to helping out your community.

Another idea to ponder is to have a “Blue Mass.” I was involved in our diocese first Blue Mass, a special Mass celebrated by our Bishop to honor and pray specifically for police, fire and emergency service workers. The first reported Blue Mass was celebrated by Father Thomas Dade , a Catholic Priest from the archdiocese of Baltimore. Some 1100 Blue-Uniformed Police and firefighters marched into St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Washington D.C. on September 29, 1934 for the service. The Blue Mass is so named because of the predominately blue colored uniforms of police, fire and EMS providers. The Blue Mass honors those who are fallen in the line of duty and those who still service our communities along with their families.

If your parish or diocese has a Blue Mass, please support it and invite police, fire and emergency workers of all faiths to attend. Assist with the welcoming of officers and emergency workers. Or simply pray for these brave men and women.

If you do not have a Blue Mass in your area, please pray fully consider starting one. If you live in a major city like: Boston, New York City or New Orleans to name a few, you know firsthand how well received these Masses are and how positive and appreciative the interaction between church family and the police and emergency personnel is. It shows that they are appreciated and in our thoughts and prayers. And that we as Christians love our neighbor.

Saint Michael, Patrol Saint of Law Enforcement and EMS, pray for us.

Saint Florian, Patron Saint of Firefighters, pray for us.