FOURTEENTH SUNDAY
OF THE YEAR
Let your first words be,
‘Peace to this house’
Only a disciple can make a disciple. The good
disciple knows the way, goes the way and shows the
way. It is not surprising, then, that Jesus’ instruction
to the first disciples in today’s Gospel is direct and
uncomplicated: ‘go out, mingle, travel lightly,
be prepared to be hated, be present, use words if
necessary, and offer the gift of peace to all’. He sent
them on pilgrimage, not on parade. It is interesting
that he emphasizes the importance of promoting
and spreading peace at every opportunity. Peace
is heaven’s greatest law. It is the greatest gift that
one generation can bequeath to another. The
eighteenth century Russian monk, St Seraphim,
a revered master of the spiritual life, offered this
striking reflection on the power and fruits of peace:
‘If I have peace in my soul’, then hundreds around
me will be converted’. The Lord’s instruction goes
out to His followers in every age. He doesn’t ask
me if I am capable of the task, but rather if I am
available? Lord, make us instruments of your peace.
‘Nothing is lost by peace’ (Pope Pius XII).
‘Only peace is holy. War never is’. (Pope Francis).
You must be logged in to post a comment.