the sign of peace
"I will hear what God proclaims; the Lord — for He proclaims peace." —Psalm 85:9
Christ "is our Peace" (Eph 2:14). Christ made "peace, reconciling both of us to God in one body through His cross, which put that enmity to death. He came and 'announced the good news of peace' " (Eph 2:15-17). Christ is Peace, makes peace, and announces peace. By "peace," the Lord, being Jewish, means "shalom," that is, harmony and God's order in our lives and in the world. In Christ and in shalom, our lives are integrated rather than fragmented, full rather than deprived, and whole rather than broken. Shortly before His death, Jesus announced His last will and testament. In the will, He left His shalom-peace to His disciples (Jn 14:27).
Are you receiving your inheritance of shalom? Are you living fully for Jesus? Are you living your Baptism? Is the harmonious order of your life truly a masterpiece of God's grace? Is your life an example of God's shalom-peace, which is beyond our human understanding? (Phil 4:7) Is your life something beautiful by and for God? Let us give each other the sign of shalom-peace.
Prayer: Father, make me a peacemaker (Mt 5:9) even if I have to suffer and die as Jesus did.
Promise: "It will go well with those servants whom the Master finds wide-awake on His return. I tell you, He will put on an apron, seat them at table, and proceed to wait on them." —Lk 12:37
Praise: St. Anthony continued to preach Christ in the face of several assassination attempts.
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Ralph J. Lawrence, April 24, 2000
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 27, 2000