In the early part of the 20th century, at a point of tension between the U.S. and Britain, British author G.K. Chesterton remarked that the English and the Americans are two peoples "divided by a common language." It is easy to argue the most with those you have a great deal in common with.

In today's first reading, the early church is struggling with the question if whether Gentiles who follow Jesus Christ must become Jewish in order to become Christian. Since the first Christians were practicing Jews, the first Christian communities within Israel were essentially Jewish communities who believed that the Messiah had come in the person of Jesus Christ.

As the Gospel spread outside of the Jewish world, the question arose as to whether non-Jewish Christians must also follow the Jewish law. After carefully considering and praying about the issue, the early church leaders decide that Judaism is not a requirement for Christians. This was a watershed moment for the new religion, as it opened its doors to the rest of the world.

In today's Gospel reading, Jesus tells his followers "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you." The peace of Jesus Christ is manifest in today's first reading. The communities disagree, argue, reflect and pray. Ultimately what they achieve is not a truce but reconciliation.

In our world, we consider peace the absence of conflict. Jesus calls us to reconciliation. Reconciliation is much more difficult to achieve --- it requires honesty, humility and a genuine desire for the greatest good. Jesus, of course, pursued the reconciliation of humans with God at the greatest price. He calls us to reconcile with one another rather than simply learn to live with our conflicts.

We live in a world where there is much conversation about war and peace. Certainly there are plenty of conflicts around the world. While ending these conflicts is clearly a precious goal, we know that simply laying down arms does not signify the end of hostilities. We have seen in recent years that hostilities can be renewed very quickly between parties that have claimed to be at peace.

The same is true in our own lives. Just because we stop arguing with a friend, neighbor or family member does not mean we are at peace. Usually it means we have just stopped talking. Jesus calls us to reconciliation --- to listen, to apologize, to be open to change, to pray.

Jesus gives us his peace. This is not the peace of NATO. It is the peace of Christ. It comes from the freedom from sin. Because Christ has paid for our sins, we don't need to hide our flaws, protect ourselves from rejection, and put ourselves above others. These are the roots of most human conflicts. We are free to reconcile. Far better to lose an argument than to lose a friend.

The church has a great tradition of practicing reconciliation. God knows we need it in our lives, our communities, our nation and our world. Remember as we pray for the peace of Christ that we may just be asked to do the hard work of seeking reconciliation rather than a mere truce.

Bill Peatman writes from Napa.