God cares for all people, no matter what they do. God’s grace strengthens us to love and respect others. Love and respect lead to peace in our hearts and in our world. Peace comes about when people truly love one another and work together. The Church community works toward peace by making sure people:

● have the things they need to live

● feel free and safe to talk to one another

● respect the dignity of individuals and societies

● follow Jesus’ command to love others as he has loved us.

Jesus taught his disciples to value love above all else. He told them, “You have

heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But

I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, that you

may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and

the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust” (Matthew 5:43–45).

If individuals, groups, and nations work for peace and justice, we will have a world of love, not

hatred and violence. We trust that God will help us to be strong witnesses to his love. Together

as the Church, we hope in God’s mercy and pray for peace.

Take a few moments to think quietly and prayerfully about ways you follow the Fifth

Commandment. These questions may help you.

Have I respected the dignity of all people?

Have I shown by my actions that all

people have the right to life?

Have I lived each day in a healthy way?

Have I done anything that could harm

myself or others?

Have I spoken out against violence

and injustice?

Have I lived in peace with my family

and neighbors?