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”
Category: 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”
Do Not Respond Violently To One Who Is Violent
Jesus tells listeners, “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, do not respond violently to one who is violent… You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to … Continue reading “Do Not Respond Violently To One Who Is Violent”
Making Peace Together
“The angel said to the Shepherds, ‘I proclaim to you tidings of great joy to be shared with all people.’” “‘Let this be a sign to you: in a manger you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes.’ Suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of angels saying, ‘Glory to God and peace … Continue reading “Making Peace Together”
Revelation: Truth and Peace
In the Book of Revelation, John of Patmos, is reporting on the persecution and violence experienced by early peacemakers. John exhorts them to keep praying and working for peace. John uses symbolic language that includes war images. He begins by writing of a “rider called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war.” … Continue reading “Revelation: Truth and Peace”
Speaking Up About the Problem of Violence
“There was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the wedding.” The mother of Jesus, Mary, is aware of a problem that will disrupt the peace of the first day of the couple’s new life together. She “said to Jesus, “They … Continue reading “Speaking Up About the Problem of Violence”
Educating for Lasting Peace
We learn from the story of the Magi that those who are wise seek out peacemakers to be educated by them, ‘We saw the child’s star rising… and have come to follow him.’ We learn from the story of Herod that those who are rulers target peacemakers and lie about being educated by them, ‘Go … Continue reading “Educating for Lasting Peace”
Giving Up War for Lent and for Life
The Old Testament reading recalls a flood experience, lasting 40 days. Its authors believed an ancient Lord, sparing Noah, justifiably waged war against life itself and “destroyed all mortal beings.” The Old Testament then shows war being continually waged by believers in the Lord; Moses, Joshua, David, and the like. The Gospel reading recalls a … Continue reading “Giving Up War for Lent and for Life”
Women Are Wise
Today’s Old Testament reading unfortunately begins with a fool, the warrior King David. He is feeling anxious because he is not currently laboring at killing, “the LORD has given him rest from his enemies.” The Gospel reading fortunately tells of a wise soul, the lover Mary. She is feeling at peace for she will soon … Continue reading “Women Are Wise”