Peace On Earth

Nolite, inquit, arbitrari, quia veni pacem mittere in terra.  Quaerendum esset quod cantatum est ab angelis in ortu Salvatoris, quomodo accipiendum sit: Gloria in excelsis Deo, et in terra pax hominibus. Quod contrarium est huic loco; nisi quia addidit, bonae voluntatis, quoniam cum ait: Pax hominibus bonae voluntatis, separavit eos ab his qui sunt pravae voluntatis. Et Dominus cum ait: Pacem meam do vobis, solis suis prolatur? dixisse membris, quibus pax diligentibus Deum servatur usque in finem. Sanctus Paschasius Radbertus Corbeiensis, Expositio In Evangelium Matthaei, Liber VI Source: Migne PL 120.430d-431a

Do not think, He said, I have come to bring peace on earth... ' 1  It must be asked how that song of the angels at the birth of the Saviour should be understood: 'Glory to God in the Highest, and peace to men on earth.' 2 Which stands in opposition to this passage, unless because it continues 'Of good will,' for then when it says: 'Peace to men of good will,' it separates them from who have a depraved will. And when the Lord says 'My peace I give to you,' 3 to them alone He gives it whom He has named His members, in which peace the lovers of God are protected to the end. Saint Paschasius Radbertus, Commentary On The Gospel of Saint Matthew, Book 6 1 Mt 10.34 2 Lk 2.14 3 Jn 14.27