Second Sunday: Peace - Bethlehem Candle
SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Peace be with you
As we journey through the second week of Advent, we reflect on the theme of peace. Hope helps us to have peace, which in turn gives us joy. But what is peace, really?
The Hebrew word "shalom" means peace, which is often perceived as the absence of conflicts. However, the Bible construes peace as more than that. In Exodus chapters 21 and 22, peace is described in terms of wholeness or completeness.
Mother Teresa, who received the Nobel Peace Prize, is a remarkable example of someone who embodied peace. Despite holding a prestigious position, she felt a sense of hollowness until she found her true calling in the streets of Calcutta.
So, what is peace? Here are four key aspects:
1. Peace is not determined by circumstances. St. Paul, while imprisoned in Rome, wrote in his letter to the Philippians, "I have learned, in whatever state I am, to be content" (Philippians 4:11, RSV). This letter, written from prison, shows that Paul's peace was not determined by his circumstances. He affirmed this in his letter to the Romans, "Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 5:1, RSV).
2. Peace is a gift from God. In the book of Numbers, God instructed Moses and Aaron to bless the people with peace, saying, "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace" (Numbers 6:24-26, RSV). Jesus, the Prince of Peace, revealed this peace to us. As the prophet Isaiah foretold, "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be upon his shoulder, and his name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6, RSV). As Jesus said to his disciples, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you" (John 14:27, RSV).
3. Peace is the fruit of righteousness. Prophet Isaiah wrote, "The effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever" (Isaiah 32:17, RSV). Jesus offered peace of reconciliation to his apostles after his resurrection, saying, "Peace be with you" (John 20:19-21, RSV).
4. Peace is the fruit of the Holy Spirit. St. Paul wrote to the Galatians, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control" (Galatians 5:22-23, RSV). This peace is a supernatural gift that comes from the Holy Spirit, guiding us to live a life of love, joy, and harmony with God and others.
In conclusion, peace is a gift from God, embodied in Jesus, the Prince of Peace. It is the fruit of righteousness, harvested in reconciliation, and the fruit of the Holy Spirit, guiding us to live a life of love and harmony. May we strive to cultivate peace in our lives, trusting in God's sovereignty and righteousness.
Fr. Raja MSFS