Ezekiel 37:26
I will make with them a covenant of peace; it shall be an everlasting covenant with them…
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Before the end of every mass, we are all enjoined to say “Peace be with you” to the people around us.
And as we approach the last week of the season of Lent, we are being reminded, through the gospel readings, that peacemaking is not an optional commitment. It is a requirement of our faith.
We are called to be peacemakers, not by some movement of the moment, but by our Lord Jesus.
Jesus Christ, then, is our peace, and in his death-resurrection he gives God's peace to our world. In him God has indeed reconciled the world, made it one.
Because we have been gifted with God's peace in the risen Christ, we are called to our own peace and to the making of peace in our world. As disciples and as children of God it is our task to seek for ways in which to make the forgiveness, justice and mercy, and love of God visible in a world.
So, the next time you see a friend or an enemy, make a sign of peace… or better yet, hug him, kiss him… forgive him. Peace would always start in us for how can we ask for peace if we, ourselves, cannot even give peace.
Peace be with you!
Let us pray +
O God, you are the source of life and peace. Praised be your name forever. We know it is you who turn our minds to thoughts of peace. Hear our prayer in this time of crisis. Your power changes hearts. Strengthen our resolve to give witness to these truths by the way we live. Give to us understanding that puts an end to strife; mercy that quenches hatred, and forgiveness that overcomes vengeance. Amen +
The Lord will guard us, as a shepherd guards his flock.
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