Apostles for Today

April 2026

Unarmed Peace

“One who is slow to anger is better than a warrior,
and one who rules his spirit than one who takes a city.”(Prov 16:32)

 

This biblical verse offers a striking definition of strength. In a world that admires power, conquest, and military superiority, Scripture praises patience and self-mastery. The Word of God teaches that true victory lies not in conquering cities, but in conquering one’s own heart. This wisdom opens the door to understanding what “unarmed peace” truly means.

As we reflect in 2026 on the overarching theme of peace, we come to realize that peace is not merely a 

political issue or a diplomatic project. Peace concerns each of us personally. It must dwell in our hearts before it can take root in our nations. It is not something entrusted only to governments or international 

institutions. All of us are involved in living it and bringing it about. Today, many societies are once again speaking of rearmament. Wars and tensions generate fear. Nations strengthen their defenses, and people worry about security. In such a context, speaking of  “Unarmed Peace” may seem naïve or unrealistic. Yet the Gospel always points beyond purely human calculations.

    1. Disarmament and Freedom from Fear

Disarmament presupposes freedom from being ruled by fear. Fear is often the hidden engine of violence. When we are afraid, we tend to defend ourselves aggressively. We close doors and suspect others. Fear justifies hostility. Yet Jesus says to his disciples, “Peace be with you!” (Jn 20:19). He speaks these words when the disciples are locked inside, paralyzed by fear. His first gift is not a strategy, but peace. If Christ is truly with us, whom should we fear? The psalmist had already asked this question: “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?” (Ps 27:1).

The presence of Christ does not remove difficulties, but it transforms our inner attitude. We are no longer prisoners of fear. Saint John Paul II repeatedly urged, “Do not be afraid.” Pope Francis emphasizes that peace is built not through isolation, but through dialogue and encounter. The Church consistently teaches that war is always a defeat for humanity, and that peace requires the courage that flows from trust in God.

Unarmed Peace begins with this spiritual freedom. If I believe that God walks with me, I no longer need to dominate others in order to feel secure. I can choose patience instead of aggression, understanding instead of suspicion.

    2. Is Unarmed Peace Possible?

Is unarmed peace truly possible? Human history seems to suggest a negative answer. Conflict repeats itself, and violence appears unavoidable. Yet the Resurrection offers a different response. The Risen Christ did not appear bearing weapons. He showed his wounds—not as signs of revenge, but as signs of love. He did not punish his persecutors. He proclaimed forgiveness. This is not weakness, but the power of God. Korean culture, shaped by both Confucian and Christian traditions, places great value on harmony. Yet outward harmony alone is not true peace. At times, conflicts are avoided and emotions suppressed in order to maintain social order. But this is not genuine peace. Unarmed peace does not mean remaining silent in the face of injustice. It means resisting injustice without hatred. The Church’s social teaching speaks of a “just peace.” Peace must be built upon justice and respect for human dignity. Disarmament does not mean indifference to evil. It is a deliberate refusal to respond to evil with another form of evil. It's worth looking at some numbers to understand the true extent of global military investment, which— just to look at the latest high-profile cases in the Euro-Mediterranean area—has failed to prevent Russia's invasion of Ukraine or Israel's disproportionate reaction to the Hamas terrorist massacre. 

St Vincent Pallotti emphasized that every baptized person is called to be an apostle. He believed that love is the foundation of all apostolic activity. He wrote that love must be “infinite,” reflecting the infinite love of God. This love is not an abstract idea; it takes concrete form in patience, forgiveness, and service. Today, his words resonate even more deeply. The renewal of society begins with renewed hearts. 

    3. Steps Toward Unarmed Peace  If unarmed peace is possible, how can we move toward it?

a) Disarming the Heart

The first battlefield is within us.  Anger, resentment, pride, and prejudice are inner weapons. Proverbs 

teaches that self-control is greater than military conquest. Through prayer, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and participation in the Eucharist, we allow Christ to disarm our hearts. When I forgive 

someone who has wounded me, I lay down a weapon. When I choose not to speak harshly, I disarm a 

potential conflict. These small acts become seeds of peace.

b) Practicing Dialogue

Peace grows through listening. In a polarized world, dialogue is not easy. Social media amplifies division, and political discourse easily becomes aggressive. In my own experience in Korea, tensions arise between generations, political groups, and even within the Church. Yet when we sit together and listen sincerely, hostility diminishes. Dialogue does not erase differences, but it allows us to see one another as human beings. The Church constantly calls for a “culture of encounter.” Dialogue is a form of disarmament that transforms suspicion into understanding.

c) Promoting Justice

Peace cannot flourish where injustice reigns. Economic inequality, discrimination, and corruption generate invisible forms of violence. Working for justice is an essential part of building peace. This includes defending the dignity of life, caring for migrants, supporting families, and protecting creation. In Asia, rapid economic growth has lifted many out of poverty, yet it has also produced new inequalities. Christians are called to be signs of solidarity. St Vincent Pallotti stressed cooperation among clergy, religious, and lay people. Peace is not the task of isolated individuals, but of a united community. When we work together for the common good, structures of violence begin to weaken.

d) Praying for Peace

Prayer is not passive. Prayer shapes our hearts. When we pray for those we consider enemies, our 

perspective changes. Jesus commands us: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Mt 5:44). This may be the most radical form of disarmament. In the context of ongoing tensions on the Korean Peninsula, prayer for peace takes on a very concrete meaning. We know the pain of division. Families remain separated, and political systems differ. Yet prayer keeps hope alive. It reminds us that peace is ultimately a gift from God.

4. Peace as Virtue and Hope

Peace is not merely a social condition; it is a virtue. It is cultivated through patience, humility, and trust. Like all virtues, peace grows through practice. Peace is also hope. To believe in unarmed peace is to believe that love is stronger than violence. Christian hope is not optimism, but trust in God’s faithfulness.

St Vincent Pallotti urged believers to rekindle faith and love in the world. Reviving peace today is part of  that mission. When we live peacefully within our families and communities, we become credible witnesses.

5. A Personal Commitment

For me, unarmed peace is not an abstract theory. It challenges my daily life. How do I respond when I am criticized? Do I defend myself aggressively, or do I respond calmly? How do I treat those who disagree with me? Do I label them, or do I try to understand them? In a society marked by competition and rapid change, patience can appear as weakness. Yet Scripture tells us that the patient person is stronger than a warrior. This truth reshapes our understanding of success. Unarmed Peace does not deny legitimate self-defense or responsible governance. But it reminds us that lasting peace cannot be achieved by weapons alone. It begins in the human heart transformed by Christ.

Conclusion: Questions for Reflection

As apostles today, we are invited not only to speak about peace, but to live it. Peace is not someone else’s responsibility; it is ours.

    Let us ask ourselves:

What fears prevent me from living Unarmed Peace?

In what situations am I still holding inner weapons?

How can I practice more honest dialogue within my family and community?

What concrete act of justice can I commit to this month?

How does the presence of Jesus set me free from fear?

May the Lord grant us hearts that are patient rather than aggressive, courage instead of fear 

 Kim Luke 

                                                                                                                                                  

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