PEACE BE WITH YOU!
Over a half-century ago, John Lennon released a song entitled: "Give Peace a Chance." In recalling the lyrics to this song, the message was that people are talking and complaining about everything, especially the war at the time, and not doing much about it. The song's refrain begs of making efforts to be a peaceful people. The song became popular as people craved peace in their hearts, nations, and the world. And to this day, they still do.
Over two thousand years ago, Jesus Christ came into our world and, in His preaching and teaching, consistently greeted His listeners with "Peace be with you." We just celebrated the Resurrection of our Lord. In the Gospels, we will hear of Jesus appearing to a number of people before He ascends to Heaven, and His greeting will be "Peace be with You!" every time.
Just this past Monday, many of us witnessed a Lunar Eclipse, and newscasters reported the reactions of people who all said they experienced a sense of peace asking, "Could the world stay this way always?"
At Mass, we wish each other 'peace be with you' just before receiving Communion…where God touches us in a special way. We perhaps feel some moments of peace with our God, and we pray that 'blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.'
The world, in its entirety, yearns for peace. Families, nations, and individuals alike, we all seek peace. As the song beautifully puts it: "Let peace begin with me..with God as our Father, brothers (and sisters) are we... and let us walk with each other in perfect harmony."
Peace – Shalom – Shanti – Irini – Pax –Pokoj – Mir – Maluhia – Pace. No matter the language, everyone seeks peace. Let there be peace on earth and in everyone's heart. May the God of Peace always remain within your heart.
PEACE BE WITHIN YOU!
Sister Celeste Hupert, CSFN
