In New York’s St. Patrick’s Cathedral at the funeral of Cardinal O’Connor a few weeks ago, Hillary Clinton and Rudolf Giuliani sat in adjoining pews. When the time came for the liturgical kiss of peace, they exchanged handshakes like others around them.

Mayor Guliani at that time was a candidate for the United States Senate, pitted against Mrs. Clinton in what loomed as a bitter campaign. While not exactly enemies, the two candidates seemed to share strongly negative feelings toward one another. That they could rise to the occasion and exchange the kiss of peace, therefore, was a tribute to the power of this ancient ritual and a summons to mutual respect.

From the great spiritual  traditions of the world, peace emerges as a precious gift. Its possession has long been regarded as a priceless benefit for human beings because it brings us close to God.

In ancient Hebrew thought, the word “shalom” meant personal well-being and harmonious relationships with other people. Peace brings a person into perfect communion with Yahweh, the Lord God who himself is peace.

Shalom in the Hebrew Bible is a dynamic word, suggesting an ideal  condition in which nothing is lacking. The messiah who is to come is seen as the prince of peace, and his kingdom will guarantee peace without end.

People resident in Israel today use “shalom” as their greeting to one another. At its best, this word takes root in the soul and builds bridges to other people.

In the Christian tradition, Jesus embodies peace. In his letter to the Ephesians, St. Paul says, “He is our peace.” In writing to  the Galatians Paul lists peace among the fruits of the Holy Spirit.

Most of all, peace is associated with Easter, the feast of the Resurrection. When Jesus first appears to his disciples he greets them by saying “Peace be with you.” In his mouth it is a word that empowers his apostles to live by the spirit.

In the Muslim tradition, the word for peace, “salaam,”  has been used since the time of the Qur’an. Muslims use the same word when greeting one another. Salaam suggests that people should be bound together in respect and love, as children of the same God.

Whatever one’s faith, of lack of it, peace is a precious human quality. Both in the outer world, where enmity among peoples so easily erupts in  murder and war, and within our own souls, peace is devoutly to be wished for.

The desire for external peace among people and nations makes me think back to a chant that was popular among demonstrators against the Vietnam War. “All we are say-ing/Is give peace a chance.” This song gave expression to the heartfelt wish for an end to fighting and the establishment of a peace that would last.

The spiritual gift of peace has to be regarded as one of the greatest human goods. To be at home within one’s own skin in tranquillity and without rancor toward other people – that seems worth everything. “Humans are just inches away from paradise,” says Elizabeth Lesser, “but that last inch is as wide as an ocean.” Perhaps the gift of peace can narrow the gap.

Is there anything we can do to dispose ourselves to receive this gift? I believe that some disciplines do help to prepare us for becoming people whose lives are marked by peace.

Becoming more compassionate toward other people is surely one way. Exercising that same compassion toward ourselves might be another. Resisting the negative thoughts that make us find fault with others and with ourselves can open us to greater peace of soul.

For many years I have made it a practice not to allow disturbing thoughts to take over my mind in the evening before bedtime. In resisting beforehand the temptation to anxiety, we can often escape the worries that plague the hours of sleep and rob us of peace.

I also have found spiritual and bodily benefits in observing the sabbath. Taking at least one day a week off from work and making it a special time for prayer, getting together with other people, and recreation can nourish our soul and help us cultivate peacefulness.

The prayer of St. Francis points the way both inwardly and outside: “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.”

Richard Griffin