The Old Testament’s prophet Habakkuk is wanting the Lord to do his violent duty, “How long, O LORD, must I… cry out to you, “Violence!” and you do not intervene?” The Lord finally avenges the Israelites and does his violent duty against enemy sinners, “For the violence done to (Israel) shall overwhelm you,” sinners. Habakkuk … Continue reading “Who Started Political Violence?”
Category: Peace
Free To Be Peacemakers
The Old Testament reading tells us, “Thus says the LORD: Rejoice with Jerusalem… In Jerusalem you shall find your comfort.” “The LORD’s strength shall be revealed to his people, but to his enemies, his wrath.” In the Gospel, disciples are sent out beyond Jerusalem, not to show their strength through wrath against enemies but through … Continue reading “Free To Be Peacemakers”
An Invitation to Peace
Jesus says to the disciples, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.” Pietro di Morone (1209-1296), whose feast day was recently celebrated, was a peaceful monk who had both retreated from … Continue reading “An Invitation to Peace”
The Power of Peacemaking
“On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the rulers, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, ‘Peace be with you.’ When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side.” “Thomas, called Didymus, … Continue reading “The Power of Peacemaking”
Making This Our Hour
“When the wine (at the Cana wedding) ran short, the mother of Jesus said to him, ‘They have no wine.’ And Jesus said to her, “Woman, how does your concern affect me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servers, “Do whatever he tells you.” Jesus told them, “Fill the jars … Continue reading “Making This Our Hour”
Expectation to Be Peacemakers
Isaiah in the Old Testament writes of the War Lord Yahweh saying, “Here is my servant whom I uphold.” Through this servant, there is the expectation of a coming triumph against enemies, “I, the LORD, have called you for the victory… and he shall divide the spoils with the mighty. “Luke in the Gospel writes, … Continue reading “Expectation to Be Peacemakers”
Departing the Land of Rulers for Another Way
“When Jesus was born” “in the days of King Herod, behold, Magi from the east” inquired, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled.” “Then Herod called the magi secretly and ascertained … Continue reading “Departing the Land of Rulers for Another Way”
Shifting from Danger to Peace
Jesus parents are worried. Is he in danger they wonder, as “they cannot find him.” “They returned to Jerusalem to look for him.” They remained worried, concerned about him being in danger for another 3 full days. “After three days they found him.” “When his parents saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said … Continue reading “Shifting from Danger to Peace”
Making Peace Known
Jesus’ “two disciples recounted what had taken place on the way to Emmaus, and how Jesus was made known to them in the breaking of bread. While they were still speaking about this, Jesus stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” People who know Jesus know he spends his life … Continue reading “Making Peace Known”
Moving Through Locked Doors
“On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, afraid, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side.” Moving through locked doors, opening them for … Continue reading “Moving Through Locked Doors”