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Day 5
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Theme: Changed by the peace of the
Risen Lord
Text: Jesus stood among them and said: Peace be with you! (Jn 20:19) |
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Readings
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Mal 4:5-6
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He will turn the hearts of parents
to their children and the hearts of children to their parents
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Ps 133
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How good and pleasant it is when
kindred live together in unity!
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Eph 2:14-20
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To reconcile both groups to God in
one body, putting to death hostility
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Jn 20:19-23
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Jesus stood among them and said:
Peace be with you!
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Commentary
The final words of the last book of
the Old Testament convey the promise that God will send His chosen one to
establish harmony and respect in all households. Usually we fear strife between
nations or unexpected aggression. But the prophet Malachi draws attention to
one of the most difficult and enduring conflicts - the heartbreak in relations
between parents and their offspring. This restoration of unity between parents
and children is not possible without God’s help – it is God’s emissary who
performs the miracle of transformation in people’s hearts and relationships.
The psalm shows what great joy such
unity among people can bring. The human person was not created to be alone, and
cannot live contentedly in a hostile atmosphere. Happiness consists in living
in a human community in harmony, peace, trust and understanding. Good relations
between people are as dew upon the dry earth and a fragrant oil which furthers
health and pleasure. The psalm refers to the goodness of living together as a
blessing and undeserved gift from God, like the dew. Living together in unity
is not restricted to family members only – this is rather a declaration of the
closeness between people who accept the peace of God.
The epistle tells us of Him whom the
prophet Malachi announced. Jesus brings unity, because He has demolished the wall
of hostility between people in His own body. Generally, a person’s victory
involves the downfall and shame of those who have been defeated, who prefer to
withdraw. Jesus does not reject, or destroy, or humiliate; He puts an end to
alienation, He transforms, heals and unites all, that they may become
members of God’s household.
The gospel recalls the gift of the
risen Lord, given to His uncertain and terrified disciples. Peace be with
you – that is Christ’s greeting and also His gift. It is also an invitation
to seek peace with God and establish new, lasting relationships within the
human family and all of creation. Jesus has trampled down death and sin. By the
gift of the Holy Spirit, the Risen Lord invites His disciples into His mission
of bringing peace, healing and forgiveness to all the world. As long as
Christians remain divided, the world will not be convinced of the full truth of
the Gospel message that Christ has brought about one new humanity. Peace and
unity are the hallmarks of this transformation. The Churches need to
appropriate and witness to these gifts as members of the one household of God built
upon the sure foundation of Jesus as the cornerstone.
Prayer
Loving and merciful God, teach us
the joy of sharing in Your peace. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit so that we may
tear down the walls of hostility separating us. May the risen Christ, who is our
peace, help us to overcome all division and unite us as members of His
household. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, to whom with You and the
Holy Spirit be all honour and glory, world without end. Amen.
Questions for reflection
- What forms of violence in our community can we as Christians confront together?
- How do we experience hidden hostilities that affect our relationship to each other as Christian communities?
- How can we learn to welcome each other as Christ welcomes us?
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