Saturday, 14 October 2017

The value of peace: Friday of the Twenty-Seventh Week in Ordinary Time (I) (13th October, 2017).


Homily (Reflection) for Friday of the Twenty-Seventh Week in Ordinary Time (I) (13th October, 2017) on the Gospel
 
Joel 1:13-15;2:1-2;
Ps 9:2-3.6.16.8-9. (R. v.9);
Lk 11:15-26.

Topic: The value of peace.
In today’s gospel, some people accused Jesus of casting out demons by Beelzebul, the ruler of the demons. And to test Him, others demanded a sign from heaven. Jesus said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself becomes a desert, and house falls on house. If Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand?” (Lk 11:17-18).
Jesus used this opportunity to highlight the importance of peace. Considering how much many communities especially Christian communities lack peace, it is important to reflect briefly on peace.
In the gospel of Saint John, Jesus said to His disciples, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you” (Jn 14:27). The peace in question is true peace. Hence, the Psalmist prayed, “Take me not off with the wicked, with those who are workers of evil, who speak peace with their neighbours, while mischief is in their hearts” (Ps 28:3).
True peace comes from God. He is a God of peace, cf. 1Cor 14:33. And for Saint Paul, Christ is our peace, cf. Eph 2:14. He preached peace to both those who were far off and to those who were near, cf. Eph 2:17. We read in the prophet Isaiah, “There is no peace... for the wicked” (Is 48:22; 57:21).
We conclude with Saint Paul, “Let us then pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding” (Rom 14:19). Unless we have true peace, we are condemned to destruction. The Psalmist warns, “Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it” (Ps 34:14).
Bible Reading: Rom 14:13–15:6.
Thought for today: Pursue peace with everyone (Heb 12:14).
Let us pray: ...may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in all ways – Amen (2Thess 3:16).
You are free to share this reflection with others if you consider it worthy.

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