II Samuel 23 contains a listing of King David’s champions of war. Three are noted: Josheb-Basshebeth; Eleazar, son of Dodai the Ahohite; and Shammah, son of Agee. Along with their names are short accounts of their mighty deeds in battle. In the same chapter, there are the names of other mighty warriors. These war accounts are not comfortable to me with their lists of the number of Philistines killed by each. I realize that the Israelites were being oppressed by the Philistines, but it still makes uncomfortable reading. It did make me wonder, could we make a list of the great women and men who were noteworthy because of their success at waging peace rather than war? For example, one of the stories of St. Francis of Assisi claims that during a battle between two Italian cities, Francis went out into the midst of the battle and shut it down. Apparently, the respect and veneration with which he was held quelled the battle. There certainly have been others who have “battled” for peace in the midst of conflict, often at risk of their own safety. Is it possible to work as hard for peace as it is to work hard for war? The commitment that it takes to bring about peace and reconciliation also takes courage and commitment. “Blessed are the peacemakers,” Jesus said, “for they will be called the children of God.” We might even call them God’s mighty women and men.