Today is the feast of the
Immaculate Conception, one of the church’s most important feasts in honor of the
Blessed Virgin Mary. Lately I have been thinking about Peace and what it means
at Christmas and in our daily lives. As I listened to the gospel reading this
morning and reflect on angel Gabriel’s visit to Mary, I was struck by the final
blessing urging us to: “Go in Peace” for the mass was ended. I quickly realized that our world is most in
dare need of true peace much than ever before.
A quick online research
shows that the word “peace” or Shalom
in Hebrew was mentioned at least 450 times. When at the beginning of his ministry
Jesus sent out his disciple, he asked them to be bearers of peace. “When
you enter a house, first say, “Peace to this house” he advised in Luke’s gospel chapter 1.
Again at the end of his ministry (John 14:17) Jesus’ final words were that
of Peace: “My peace I give to you!” furthermore, after his resurrection, Jesus's first words when he appeared to his disciples were that of peace. All these and
more examples is a reminder that the type of peace that Jesus gives is that which cannot be found anywhere else. Jesus want us to know that without peace,
we stand in danger of losing direction and purpose.
True peace is the ability
to be tranquil, a tranquility that emanates only from within. This is why in every
liturgical celebration, after the Lord offers us the opportunity to make peace
with him, the church further invites us to extend that peace others as well as
carry it us as we return to our daily lives. We need to be people of peace so
that we can truly reflect his kingdom of God. This advent, let us all continue to
pray for world Peace,
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