Even the holy men who lived before the coming of Christ

Hear the words of Saint Bernard, a voice echoing through the ages: "Even the holy men who lived before the coming of Christ understood that God had in mind plans of peace for the human race." In this statement, Saint Bernard imparts a profound truth, one that stretches back to the very beginning of human history. He reminds us that the desire for peace—true, lasting peace—was woven into the very fabric of the divine plan, long before the arrival of the Christ who would fulfill it. For those who came before, even in their spiritual journey, the hope of peace was central to their understanding of God’s ultimate purpose for humankind.

The ancient prophets, those revered men who walked the earth in a time long before the birth of Christ, foresaw the coming of a Messiah who would bring peace to a broken world. The Jewish prophets, such as Isaiah, spoke of a time when nations would lay down their arms and the lion would lie with the lamb. They saw beyond the conflict and strife of their time, glimpsing a divine plan where peace was not just a fleeting moment, but the very foundation of the Kingdom of God. Even in the midst of war and chaos, these holy men understood that God’s plan was one of reconciliation, a plan to heal the wounds of humanity and restore what had been lost.

Consider the story of King David, whose reign was marked both by glory and by strife. David, though a man of great power and military prowess, was also a man of deep faith. In the Psalms, he often spoke of the longing for peace, both for his people and for his own soul. Despite the many wars David fought, his heart yearned for a time of peace, when the Lord’s will would be fully realized. David’s understanding of peace was not merely the absence of war, but the presence of divine harmony that would come when God’s justice and mercy reign. Even in his darkest hours, David held onto the hope that peace was God’s plan for humanity.

In the time of Christ, this message of peace became clearer than ever before. The birth of Christ, as foretold by the prophets, was not only the arrival of a Savior but the manifestation of God’s peace on earth. The very angels who announced Christ’s birth sang, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men." Jesus, in His teachings, spoke often of peace, offering a peace that was not of this world, but a peace that transcended all understanding. He called His followers to be peacemakers, to spread the message of love and forgiveness that would heal the wounds of sin and division.

Yet, as Saint Bernard reminds us, even before the coming of Christ, those who were faithful to God had a glimpse of this plan. The holy men of old, whether Abraham, Moses, or Elijah, understood that the divine will was not to see humanity locked in endless conflict, but to see them living in peace with one another and with their Creator. The promise of peace was always present, even if it was not yet fully realized. The scriptures of the ancient world, from the Old Testament to the Sacred texts of the East, all point toward this divine hope—a time when peace would reign, and humanity would finally fulfill its calling as children of God.

The lesson for us today is clear: peace is not a mere ideal, nor a distant hope, but a divine plan that began long before the birth of Christ and continues in the hearts of all who seek to live according to God’s will. Saint Bernard calls us to look beyond the troubles of our time and see the larger divine narrative, one that unfolds through faith and obedience. Peace is not just the cessation of conflict, but the restoration of harmony—between man and man, and between man and God. It is the result of a heart surrendered to the divine will, a heart that seeks reconciliation and healing rather than division and strife.

In your own life, seek this peace—not merely in the quiet moments when all is calm, but in the midst of life’s challenges. Be a peacemaker, not through force or coercion, but through love, forgiveness, and the desire to see others as children of God. Like the holy men of old, understand that God’s plan for humanity is one of peace, and it is through your actions that this peace will be brought to the world. Work to live in harmony with those around you, and in doing so, you will be a part of the great divine purpose that Saint Bernard and the prophets of old foretold.

So, let us carry the wisdom of Saint Bernard with us: peace is not a fleeting hope, but a divine promise that began with the holy men of the past and is fulfilled in the life of Christ. It is a peace that transcends all understanding, a peace that lives in the hearts of those who seek to do God’s will. Walk in this peace, live in this peace, and let your life be a testament to the divine plan that has always been, and will always be, a plan of peace.