Bring Peace to the World

07-03-2022Weekly ReflectionFr. Aruldoss

Dear People of God,

Good morning to you all. On this fourteenth Sunday, the liturgy of word of God draws our attention to the need, and importance of peace in our world. In the first reading of today, God in his infinite goodness offers us peace: “Now towards her I send overflowing peace like a river.” When we allow this peace to flow into our hearts and guide our lives, we become fulfilled, satisfied, and our communities and entire world become a wonderful place. We are therefore called to be messengers, instruments, and agent of this peace. It must flow from, and through us to others.

In the second reading, Paul prays: “Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule, who form the Israel of God.” This means that peace comes to our hearts, homes, communities, societies and world when we work in harmony with the will of God. It comes to all who bear the marks of Christ as Paul did. So, we must make room for peace in order that our joy may be complete in Jesus Christ.

In today’s gospel, Jesus equips us with the message we must bring to our world: “Peace be with this house.” After strong language about the difficulties of discipleship, Jesus immediately appoints 72 people to go ahead of him to every town and place he plans to visit, proclaiming that the Kingdom of God is at hand. Jesus admits it will be difficult, that he is sending them out like lambs among wolves. When they enter a house, their message is simply “peace.” When they return from their journeys, they are rejoicing because their mission has been successful.

Yes, dear brethren, our Jesus Christ is the source of our peace. Jesus is ever ready to offer us peace. With the peace that He offers us, we must be ready to transform our world from the culture of war and hatred to a culture of peace. He invites us to be instruments of his peace. So let us try to be instruments of peace in our families and our working places. Have a Happy and Blessed Sunday!

Yours in Christ,

Fr. Doss