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. Paul of the Cross loved Christ crucified and led many others to be devoted to that love (1 Cor 2:2).
Reference: (Married couples, take some time to renew your commitment to each other and the Lord at our Nov. 13-14 retreat. Call 513-373-2397 or see www.presentationministries.com.)
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