AUGUST 2004 - ISSUE 3 - ISSN 1448 - 632

‘Peace on Earth’ was a subversive and revolutionary message in the time of Jesus. The political blueprint of the time was Pax Romana. It meant no disturbances, rebellions, or threats to the Roman power that needed to maintain the steady flow of money and goods to Rome from all over the world. ‘It is so in our own time too’, notes Joseph Grassi, ‘especially when good order is controlled by military might rather than through the ways advocated by Jesus: non-violence, love, compassionate justice, true repentance, and forgiveness.’ The teaching of the Lukan Jesus requires a ‘turning the world upside-down’ blueprint (see Acts 17:6).

Joseph Grassi, in this the latest product of his literary output, has spelt out this blueprint for ‘peace on earth’ with great clarity, scholarly research, and prayerful sensitivity. This book is the result of the author’s many years of scriptural studies of both Old and New Testaments and its exposition clearly shows a deep understanding of the interrelationship between the two Testaments. For this reason alone, the book is of special value.

But it is an important book for other reasons as well. Because of the present world situation regarding terrorism and violence, 2004 is an opportune time for the publication of Peace on Earth. Dr Grassi concludes each of his short, easy to read, fifteen chapters with a paragraph or two, ‘Corollary for today’.

Peace means wholeness and cannot exist where justice is lacking, and justice by its very nature produces peace. Prophetic justice in contrast to some views of political justice, notes Grassi, is built on the realistic view of the earth’s limited resources which God has designed to be equally shared.

Peace on Earth also shows the central importance Luke places on the Jesus’ saying: ‘Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful’ (6:34-35). The parable of the prodigal father (15:11-32) spells out Jesus’ understanding of the womb-compassion of his Father. The Sermon of the Plain (6:17-49) also gives directives rooted in imitation of God’s mercy. There the ideal is love of enemies (6:27-28).

But neither justice nor mercy is really possible for the Christian without turning upside-down one’s worldly values by a spiritual conversion or metanoia and Luke’s Gospel, Grassi notes, is the feature Gospel of forgiveness and metanoia.

Luke returns to the ‘peace on earth’ theme of his Chapter 1 in his commentary on the great journey to Jerusalem section (9:51-19:27). The Journey account itself is framed by stories concerning little children whose positive qualities are presented to the disciples as a model for disciple leadership rather than their (sometimes) attraction to power and force.

Grassi brings his book to a close showing the connection between peace and power in the Holy Spirit, a power that is in direct opposition to external power and authority.

Peace on Earth: Roots and Practices from Luke’s Gospel is published by Liturgical Press. Its author, Joseph Grassi, is professor emeritus at Santa Clara University, California. Dr Grassi began his college studies in engineering but was attracted very early on to biblical studies. These he has made his life’s work. His book is well worth a reflective reading. I recommend it highly.

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