Call for Peace!

In our gospel, John 14:27-31a, Jesus says to his disciples, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you." We know that each time Jesus appeared to the disciples he always said to them, "Peace be with you." We continually pray for peace in our world and in our communities. I believe for peace to exist it has to begin with us. We need to know the peace of Christ in our hearts and then share it with others. We may not reach out on an international or national scale, but we can do wonders in our very own community. As one commentator states, "Jesus shows us the way to true peace; obedience to the Father's will rather than to the clamor of self-interest. In living as he lived, we not only live in peace ourselves, we also make a place of peace for all those around us" (Magnificat, 334). Like the song says, "Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me..." Through our prayer, may God touch those hearts that need peace so they can work for peace. It is a beautiful gift that our Lord has given to us. We may not know the full gift of peace until the Kingdom of God is revealed but we can do our part. Pray for peace and let it begin with us! Peace to you!!!