In this short Gospel passage, the greeting of Jesus, ‘Peace be with
you’, resounds three times. The greeting is identified with the
Messianic well-being, a biblical reality that goes far beyond the mere
absence of war and conflict. Nor is it to be identified with a state of
tranquility. Peace means the fullness of all that is positive, the
fullness of being, and can only come from God as His gift!
It is a gift that flows from the cross; the bridge connecting Heaven
and earth and embracing all of humanity. It reconstructs the unity sin
had broken and now rebuilt in the Name of Christ, the Incarnate Word who
was immolated and raised, and given to us as a gift and as a sign.
It is in fact, an essentially relational reality and, as a
consequence, to accept humbly and joyfully. This in turn implies a
commitment to be authentically faithful to Christ and to His teachings.
Although fragile and limited, the human person can once more see the
divine image God imprinted on it and may turn to God and others with
love.
Today in my pause for silent contemplation, I will let Christ’s peace
fill my heart with joy and I will thank Him for His great love.
- Living Scripture