The Gospel of Peace
Article summary proposed by the Contacts review with LLM assistance
This article by Jean Besse examines inner peace as the central gift of Christian life, drawing on a broad patristic and ascetic tradition. The approach is that of a theological meditation nourished by scriptural, patristic and spiritual sources, ranging from Hermas and Clement of Alexandria to Cassian, Lorenzo Scupoli and Saint Seraphim of Sarov. The main idea is that peace of soul — distinct from any passive quietude — constitutes the fruit of repentance, the Eucharist and ascesis, and that it finds its fulfilment in evangelical joy and wisdom. The article shows that this peace, far from being a withdrawal into oneself, radiates toward others and carries within it a social and ecclesial dimension, sketching the foundations of a "civilization of love." Its contribution lies in shedding light on a patristic doctrine that has been too long neglected, one capable of responding to the spiritual anxieties of contemporary Christians.
This article has not been translated yet — it is available in its French version here.
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