Authentic peace flows from our relationship with one source
by Sister Charlene Hockers
We just celebrated Independence Day -– a day in which we remember how the gift of freedom was given to our country. With freedom the gift of peace should follow. We know, to this day, we don’t experience peace fully.
When Jesus sent out his disciples on their first mission he gave certain instructions. They were not to carry a money bag, sack or sandals. They were to offer the gift of peace to the people they encountered. The disciples were to enter a house and say “Peace to this household.” If the peace was not accepted then it returned to them. Some people didn’t want peace. Peace scared them. They would rather fight than love, no matter who got hurt.
Peace flows from our relationship with God. Peace is an offer to share harmony, goodness or union with someone else. That kind of peace is only possible when we are secure in our relationship with God. It has to be grounded in God’s acceptance and love of us. As we answer God’s call to be sent can we share this kind of peace with other people?