Friday, December 9, 2016

Friday, December 9, 2016
John 14: 25 – 27

Peace is a word that is used very often in the Bible, but it occurred to me that where it is most often used is in worship. When using the Eucharistic liturgy from the BAS we are asked by the priest to stand and Share the Peace.  The celebrant says, “The peace of the Lord be always with you.”  We respond, “And also with you.”  Then, turning to those around us, we offer our hand saying, “The peace of Christ be with you” or the simple “Peace be with you” or the even simpler, “Peace”.

To any outsider this may look like a large meet and greet session in the midst of the service.  “Oh, hi

how are you? Are you new here?  How’s the family?” and so on.  Often this break in the otherwise conducted service is used for those quick verbal meetings whispered voco soto: “Did you turn on the coffee?” “Did you know that so and so is not here today?” “I must speak to you later, its important!” followed by a knowing nod of the head.  It is here we make our connections that seem to be so urgent that they just cannot wait. But sharing the peace is so much more than this, or at least it is meant to be.

Jesus says: “My peace I give to you, my peace I leave with you.” This is what I believe sharing the peace is about.  It is a prayer, if only a short one, asking God in Jesus Christ to share that peace that resides within each of us, a prayer that asks God to give God’s peace to another.

Each day we are called to pray for the peace of our world, our families and friends and for ourselves.  Our world is sorely in need of this peace.  Not a peace achieve through war and mistrust, but a peace borne out of love.  As we share the peace that Christ has given each of us, let’s try to remember our world and our neighbours as well.  Let’s try to remember as we share the peace to look deeply into ourselves and share that peace that resides in each of us. “May the peace of the Lord be with you always.”

- Sr. Louise Manson, SSJD