Transcript
The first words that Jesus taught his disciples to say when they entered a house were, “Peace to this house.” This meant that they were to be messengers of peace. In other words, being a messenger of peace was the first mission of a disciple of Jesus. What is peace for us? Peace is not something negative, something that is the absence of war or hatred. It requires openness, brotherhood, sisterhood, tolerance, goodwill and the desire for reconciliation. It forces us to reach out to others. It helps us to remove the barriers of suspicion, fear, prejudice and intolerance. During the Eucharist, before receiving Communion, the celebrant wishes, “The peace of the Lord be with you always.” This is truly a precious gift that the world cannot give. Then the celebrant calls out, “Let us offer each other the sign of peace.” In response, we greet one another, we come forward to shake hands, or embrace. At the end of the Mass, the celebrant says, “Go in peace.” This not only means that we get home safely, but it also means that we come to the church to receive God’s peace, so when we leave, let us bring that peace to everyone we meet. Friends, in doing so, we are messengers of peace. We are disciples of Jesus. May the Peace of the Lord be with us all.