Saint Benedict, Saint Claire, Saint Francis and other founders of monastic orders took advantage of the “tweaking” in Romans 12:18:

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (NIV)

They were convinced that it was quite possible to live at peace with others. That was an essential of abbey life. However, they could only go as far as it depended on those that wanted to stay.

Of course, those who came to them were committed at the door so to do. That does help.

Almost all of those who did not remain left, not because they could not pray or could not practice silence, but because they could not dwell in peace within the house. It may not have been a problem between personalities, but each personality has to be able singly  to abide in peace.

It is so important . . . it is vital! . . . that we in Cor Unum take these words to heart. Could we “tweak” things little in our homes and churches and on the job so that, AS FAR AS IT DEPENDS ON US, we are living at peace with those around us.

There will always be conflicts and disappointments and difficulties and misunderstandings, but we can go far toward bringing peace to these troubled corners. We may not win every point or every battle against strife, but AS FAR AS IT DEPENDS ON US . . . is a pretty long way!

Andreas Cruz photography