Luke 24:36 Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”
He’d been betrayed, abandoned, and his best friends denied knowing him and cowered in fear. Instead of exploding in a tirade or listening to those who would say aren’t you angry, mad, and disgusted at your friends who left you for dead, Jesus stands among his friends not as judge, not finding them wanting, and greets them with love. This is a lesson I continue to take to heart and pray that I can follow each of the remaining days of my life.
It is a natural human reaction to react with anger, bitterness, and even hate when someone close to us betrays or disappoints. Jesus shows us a different and better way – a way paved with love and a way that makes us whole. In his last days on earth Jesus repeats the words – Peace be with you – over and over. He reminds us of his way, the whole way, to engage our fellow man and woman.
If there is only one Lenten discipline each of us keeps, may it be to greet each and every human with a heart that says – “peace be with you.”
Dear Webb,
I’ve been away from my computer for a while, but eager to respond to this posting. For me, one of the most beautiful Sufi prayers is the Prayer for Peace, and with your permission, I share it here.
Send Thy peace, O Lord, which is perfect and everlasting,
that our souls may radiate peace.
Send Thy peace, O Lord, that we may think, act and speak
harmoniously.
Send Thy peace O Lord, that we may be contented and thankful
for thy bountiful gifts.
Send Thy peace, O Lord, that amidst our worldly strife we may
enjoy Thy bliss.
Send Thy peace, O Lord, that we may endure all, tolerate all
in the thought of Thy grace and mercy.
Send Thy peace, O Lord, that our lives may become a divine vision, and
in Thy light all darkness may vanish.
Send Thy peace, O Lord, our Father and Mother, that we Thy
children on earth may all unite in one family.
Amen
Your friend
Tom