Peace
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Reading (John 20: 19-22)
On the evening of the first day of the week, when the disciples were together behind locked doors for fear of the Jews, Jesus enter the place where they were staying and stood in their midst. He said to them, "Peace be with you."
Then he showed them the wounds in his hands and in his side. They were overjoyed at seeing him. Again he said to them, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you."
Then he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit."
Song (Zechariah 9: 9-10)
Rejoice heartily, O daughter Zion,
Shout for joy, O daughter jesusalem.
See, your king shall come to you.
A just savior is he,
Humble, and riding on a donkey,
On a colt, the foal of a donkey.He shall banish the chariot from Ephraim,
And the war horse from Jerusalem.
The warrior's bow shall be banished,
And he shall proclaim peace to the nations.
His dominion shall be from sea to sea,
And to all the ends of the earth.
Reflection
The peace that the Lord Jesus brings is not peace as the world understands it. It is not the absence of conflict, not acquiescence to the state of things as they are. It is not peace through compromise or appeasement. It is peace founded on the reign of God. It is peace based on the justice of God.The peace of Christ is spread to the world through the faith and action of his followers. They are empowered by the Spirit of Christ to be peacemakers. They do not hide behind locked doors, but stand in the breach against the forces of evil - against ignorance, hatred, greed, oppression, exploitation. They know that the time for tranquility and rest will come later. First they must challenge the forces of evil that deprive the world of true peace.
They enter the conflict under the banner of a mighty leader, the Lord Jesus, who leads them not with a show of force, but in quiet humility. They follow him without fear, because they have the assurance of faith that the weakness of God far surpasses the might of men.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, Prince of Peace, you have promised lasting peace to those who place their trust in you. Open our hearts to your word, that peace may reign in us, and through us be spread to all the world.
Read a prayer for peace