Book Description

In Peace on Earth Joseph Grassi emphasizes the practical means Jesus suggests to make peace a reality. He focuses on the roots of peace and justice found in the non-violent and compassionate life and teachings of Jesus. Grassi teaches that Luke's summary of Jesus' teaching in the "Sermon on the Plain" has a central place as a practical guide for believers to develop a life of peace and non-violence in imitation of Jesus as a non-violent Messiah. Luke's Jesus goes to the roots of true peace through the practice of non-violence, love, compassionate justice, true repentance, and forgiveness. External power and domination are renounced and replaced by inner power, humble service, and a priority for the needs of the poor and marginalized. Chapters are" 'Peace on Earth'-Luke's Subversive Christmas Story," "Jesus, Messiah of Peace and Non-Violence in the Passion Story," "John the Baptist: The Mission to 'Guide Our Feet in the Way of Peace, '" " 'Justice and Peace Shall Kiss One Another'-Luke's Gospel of Justice," "The Inner Sources of Peace: Forgiveness and Metanoia," "The Sermon on the Plain: Part I. Roots," "The Sermon on the Plain: Part II. Praxis,"" 'Love Your Enemies'-Responses to Violence from a Gospel of Peace," "The Sign of Jonah, the Comic Prophet of Metanoia," "Women of Peace and Courage," "An Upside Down World: Peace and the Priority of Little Ones," "Bread and Circuses versus Jesus' New World Food Language," "Jesus' Last Passover Supper and Testament for Continuity," "Jesus' Compassion for Animals: A First Step Toward a Non-Violent World," and "Spiritual Combat for Peace: The Power of the Holy Spirit and Prayer."