The Lord said, “Into whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this household.'” Luke 10:5
We are called by the Lord to be peace carriers. That is our mission and our privilege.
Lord, fill me with your peace that I may bless everyone I meet with peace.
Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8
Today I will do my best to embody honor, justice, purity, loveliness, graciousness, and excellence in all my relationships. I will give praise to God for our beautiful world and my family and friends. I will be a peaceful presence at home, in my community, and in the world.
Stikå Erik Hansson (1823-1897)
Jesus’ Entry into Jerusalem, 1843
Jesus said, ““Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
We labor every day to follow Jesus, to love our enemies, forgive those who hurt us, feed the hungry, stay peaceful in the midst of conflict, seek justice for the abused and rejected.
The Lord’s humble presence, gentle guidance, and abiding love renews us for our daily mission to be like God in compassion, kindness, and mercy.
Retable de la Trinité. Musée d’art Hyacinthe Rigaud, Perpignan (1489)
Brothers and sisters, rejoice. Mend your ways, encourage one another, agree with one another, live in peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you. 2 Corinthians 13:11
To serve the cause of justice, I must be aware of God’s presence and ask God to show me the next right action. I must be grounded in love of my neighbor and ask the Lord to give me the courage to love unconditionally. I must empty myself of self-serving justification and ask the Holy Spirit to fill me with love and peace.
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Caravaggio (1571-1610)
The Incredulity of Saint Thomas
oil on canvas, from 1601 until 1602
Sanssouci Picture Gallery
Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” John 20:19
Peace in this time of uncertainty. Peace in our hearts. Peace in our words. Peace in our actions.
Breathe peace.
For the whole law is fulfilled in one statement, namely,
You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
Galatians 5:14
And another said, “I will follow you, Lord,
but first let me say farewell to my family at home.”Luke 9:61
What delays me from following the way of Jesus in welcoming, forgiving, loving, showing compassion to, and living in peace with my neighbor?
Today I will practice awareness of the presence of the Lord in each moment.
He Qi, The Doubt of St. Thomas
Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you.
As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” John 20:21
The Risen Lord brings us peace and sends us forth to bring peace to others.
Where do I need to bring peace today?
Holy Family
A worldwide human family that reflects love and harmony…
…is only possible if I open my heart today and treat myself and all people with compassion, kindness, gentleness, patience, and forgiveness. It is only possible when I stop comparing myself to others and follow the Way of unconditional love.
Put on, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another. Colossians 3:12-13a
Loaves and Fishes Mosaic
Church of the Multiplication, Tabgha
Today I choose to avoid divisiveness. I will use my energy to practice patience, treat all people with gentleness, and become more humble by refusing to compare myself with others.
…live in a manner worthy of the call you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love, striving to preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace… Ephesians 4:1b-3
The Birth of St. John the Baptist
Spain, ca.1525
Gilded wood
Art Institute of Chicago
My daily work is to show up for life, treat all people with compassion, generosity, and respect, take care of today’s responsibilities, and help manifest God’s vision of peace, unity, and love in our fragile world.
Though I thought I had toiled in vain, and for nothing, uselessly, spent my strength, yet my reward is with the LORD, my recompense is with my God. Isaiah 49:4
Mary Ann McSweeny 