By Stephen Wood
January 10, 2026
Part I - A World Longing for Peace
During the Christmas season, we hear the angels proclaim to the shepherds:
"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased" (Luke 2:14).
Isaiah foretold that the Messiah would be the Prince of Peace, and that "of His peace there will be no end" (Isaiah 9:6).
In that spirit, the Catholic Church has celebrated the World Day of Peace every January 1st since 1968, on the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God.
Yet as we step into a new year, the signs of potential war are unmistakable.
The world is painfully aware of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, whose peaceful end we continue to pray for. But many European nations are preparing for the possibility of a far larger war. Defense budgets are rising sharply. Several countries are reinstating conscription-some even planning to draft young women.
French authorities have asked hospitals to prepare for a potential armed conflict in Europe.
Officials warned hospitals to expect between 10,000 and 50,000 injured soldiers.
Bordering nations are seeking long-range missiles capable of striking deep into Russia. The danger of provoking a nuclear superpower should sober every Christian conscience. Russia possesses roughly 5,459 nuclear warheads, the world's largest arsenal, and its leaders have repeatedly stated how they would respond to a severe attack.
And Europe is only one flashpoint.
A powder keg sits in East Asia, where China's intentions toward Taiwan seem less a question of if than when. If the United States gets involved, it could result in the largest naval battle ever. In the Middle East, Israel longs to finish bombing Iran. Any conflict could quickly draw in the United States, especially if the Strait of Hormuz-through which one-fifth of the world's oil flows-is blocked.
Tensions in Venezuela continue to escalate.
And other regions simmer quietly, awaiting a spark.
Surprisingly, many Christians-especially in conservative circles-are often among the most vocal proponents of military intervention. Yet Our Lord teaches plainly:
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God" (Matthew 5:9).
If peacemakers are called God's children, what does Jesus call those who grow attached to the pursuit of war?
On the opposite extreme are those who advocate for total disarmament, a position many feel is impossible in a fallen world.
Is there a faithful, realistic middle way?
Part II - Switzerland: A Model of Strong, Principled Peace
I believe Switzerland offers such a path-avoiding both naïve pacifism and reckless aggression.
John Adams (our second president) and Patrick Henry both admired the Swiss model of well-armed neutrality.
Like many, I once pictured Switzerland as a nation of relaxed watchmakers and laid-back chocolate lovers. I was mistaken.
Switzerland is committed to non-intervention, but couples that commitment with one of the strongest national defense systems. Proportionate to its population, Switzerland maintains the world's largest reserve force-citizen-soldiers trained and ready to defend their homeland at a moment's notice.
During World War II, Switzerland was the only small democracy in Europe not to fall to Nazi Germany, despite Hitler drafting multiple invasion plans. What held him back?
Because the Swiss would not surrender. Ever.
One-tenth of the population-men trained as soldiers-kept rifles at home. They were prepared to fight to the end.
Swiss doctrine during WWII was explicit:
- Fight to the last bullet, then with the bayonet.
- No surrender-under any circumstance. Any report of surrender was to be considered enemy propaganda.
- Defend hearth and homeland to the last drop of blood.
This resolve stood in stark contrast to many European nations that surrendered quickly or without resistance.
Sharpshooting was essential to Swiss defense. The nation boasted 3,656 rifle clubs in the early 20th century. It was not uncommon for families to bring their rifles to church and then join shooting competitions afterward.
The Swiss trained with discipline:
German soldiers typically trained for 100-meter engagements.
The Swiss trained at 300 meters.
A WWII postcard captured the Swiss spirit. A German asks, "What will your 250,000 men do if we invade with 500,000 soldiers?"
The Swiss militiaman replies:
"Shoot twice."
This humorous exchange reveals something profound:
peace through strength, and strength directed toward defense-not conquest.
(For more on this, see: Target Switzerland: Swiss Armed Neutrality in World War II by Stephen P. Halbrook)
Part III - The Saint Who Gave Switzerland Its Love of Peace
Where did this national ethos of armed neutrality begin?
In 1481, Switzerland was on the brink of a brutal civil war that would have torn the confederation apart. At that critical moment, a Catholic Swiss hermit-St. Nicholas of Flüe (Brother Klaus)-offered counsel that preserved peace and unity. His words were so wise that the Swiss adopted a policy of lasting neutrality, giving no nation reason to wage war against them.
Nicholas was no ivory-tower idealist.
He served 16 years as a soldier, rising to the rank of captain. This combat veteran fought with a sword in one hand and a rosary in the other. Though a distinguished warrior, he condemned wars of aggression and the killing of non-combatants as immoral.
He and his wife, Dorothea, raised a large family. Nicolas had a profound mystical experience while still married and serving as a soldier. His wife gave him her blessing to embrace a hermit's life dedicated entirely to God.
He lived in a small shack, fasting for nearly twenty years. For the last nineteen of those years, he lived on the Eucharist alone. Kings, bishops, and ordinary people traveled great distances from all over Europe to seek his counsel.
Switzerland credited him with saving the nation from destroying itself. Swiss Protestants honor him. Swiss Catholics have venerated him continuously since his death.
In 1947 Pope Pius XII canonized him a saint. His feast day is March 21st.
St. John Paul II's Pilgrimage
On June 14, 1984, St. John Paul II prayed at the tomb of Nicholas of Flüe:
"My Lord and my God... Brother Klaus, whom You have appointed as a peacemaker... I unite my prayers for peace and reconciliation with those of this great saint."
"Let us realize ever more that true reconciliation and lasting peace come from You alone."
3Nicholas' Prayer in the Catechism
The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 226) preserves St. Nicholas's favorite prayer:
My Lord and my God,
take from me everything that distances me from You.
My Lord and my God,
give me everything that brings me closer to You.
My Lord and my God,
take me-and give me entirely to Your will. Amen.
May St. Nicholas of Flüe pray for peace in our families, peace in the United States, and peace in our troubled world.
This article originally appeared in his January 2026 newsletter at BibleforCatholics.com.