Greetings from Jerusalem

By Fr. David Steffy, L.C.,

Chargé of the Holy See for the Pontifical Institute Notre Dame of Jerusalem Center

July 3rd, 2025

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Dear Friends of the Notre Dame of Jerusalem Center,

Greetings from Jerusalem.

All of you are very aware of what has been happening here in the Holy Land. The twelve days following the recent conflict with Iran, starting on June 13, were extremely difficult, to say the least. The prospects of a broader global conflict and more tragedy seemed fairly certain. I would not have thought then that, at the beginning of July, we would be experiencing the relief of a ceasefire and the hope of a possible resolution to the conflicts plaguing this region.

During that time, I questioned whether peace was possible. I even wondered if I could be at peace when so much of the world seemed to be at war. I must confess that I did not feel interiorly at peace these last few weeks. I let the outer conflicts and many worries interfere with my inner peace. I was conflicted and tried to hide it, but I am sure that others noticed.

In a way, I felt that if I was at peace, then I would not be in solidarity with the innocent victims who were suffering so much. How dare I be at peace…

It was the many “peaceful” and dedicated people around me who showed me how wrong I was. They woke me from my funk by their kindness, compassion, and goodness, manifested through a timely smile and a caring act. I felt at peace around them and was reminded that peace truly begins in the heart and that I can only bring peace when I am at peace. I also recognized that I could not blame the war, the evil acts of others, or the hundred excuses  I gave myself to justify not being at peace. These things did not take away my peace, I gave it away by focusing on the wrong things.

Every day at Mass, the priest begins with the greeting, “Peace be with you.” The response to these words is, “And with your spirit.” For our modern ears, that may seem archaic and outdated. Yet, as I prayed about this simple greeting, I recognized that this response gets to the heart of the matter: peace is the fruit of the interaction of peaceful spirits.

That inspiration has led me to resolve to end each day with a simple question: “Is my spirit at peace?” If it is, I thank the Lord for that gift and the many blessings that flow from it. If it is not, I reflect on what I need to do to be at peace, with a strong desire to regain my peace so that I may share that peace with others — just as the Lord shares His peace with us daily.

Perhaps, during these summer months that lend themselves to family gatherings and vacations, you can take time to reflect on how to strengthen your inner peace and how to better share that peace with those around you.

With peace also comes hope, and we remain hopeful that new times of peace will dawn, and that we will be able to welcome you once more to the Holy Land.

May the God of peace and love enlighten you all and strengthen your spirit.

Thank you for your ongoing prayers and support of the Notre Dame of Jerusalem Center.

Peace be with you.

In Christ,Father David Steffy, L.C.

Sincerely in the Lord,

Fr. David Steffy, LC