Friends, on this fourteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time, year C, Our Mother Church draws our attention to the need and importance of peace in our world. She also reminds us that Christ is the source of our peace. One of humankind’s natural desires is to live a peaceful life. Ordinarily, one would expect humanity to enjoy more peace and harmony with all the scientific discoveries and inventions in our world. Unfortunately, it has not been so. This is because peace comes from God. So, it must be appreciated, nurtured, and preserved. Lord, help us to trust in your care and follow your path with joy. Teach us to rely on the Cross and share your love with others. Fill us with peace as we face challenges, and guide us to grow as your disciples.
Friends, 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 the entire world become a wonderful place. Therefore, God calls us to be messengers, instruments, and agents of this peace. It must flow from and through us to others. Unfortunately, most of us today have lost the mark. This is by assuming that peace comes from material or physical wealth, how many cars, houses, clothes, or how much money one has in their account. According to Jürgen Moltmann, “Peace is the blessed joy of a successful life. It is the fullness of life in the presence of the living God. It is the fullness of life in the mutual love of human beings. It is the fullness of life in the community of creation with all other creatures.” This can only flow from Jesus Christ, the Prince of peace.
Friends, Isaiah describes how God comforts His people, bringing joy and peace to their lives. This image of God’s care is like that of a loving mother who provides for her children with tenderness and compassion. This message encourages us to trust in God, even in difficult moments. His care is constant, and His blessings are all around us. By recognizing His love in our lives, we can find strength and peace, no matter the challenges we face. Rejoicing in God’s care also calls us to gratitude. We can look at the blessings in our lives and thank God for them. It helps us to see that even in times of struggle, God is present, guiding and helping us.
Friends, in the second reading of today, 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 so that our joy may be complete in Jesus Christ. Brothers and sisters, “May the peace of Christ reign in your hearts.” The absence of peace in any heart, family, community, society, or nation leaves it devastated. Peace advances our communities. Any community that welcomes peace welcomes an opportunity for both spiritual and material prosperity.
Friends, in today’s gospel, Jesus equips us with the message we must bring to our world: “Peace be with this house.” It is a gift we must offer to our world. Jesus knows very well that this is what our world needs most, and he is ever ready to let us have it. With the peace that Christ offers us, we must be prepared to transform our world from a culture of war and hatred to a culture of peace. He invites us to be instruments of his peace. What we must bring to our world is the good news of the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Brothers and sisters, peace is precious and golden. Like joy, it is contagious. If we have peace, it must affect others positively. Therefore, like Francis of Assisi, let us pray; “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace, where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy.” The Lord be with you …. May the Almighty God bless you, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Have a Joyful Sunday and a fruitful new month of July to you.
