The English language can be so confusing. To speak of peace is not the same as to speak a piece of my mind (or my piece). The words peace/piece are homophones, words that sound the same but have different meanings. Peace is what has been catching my attention when praying and reflecting with today’s readings.
Let me clarify as to why.
The readings from Amos and the Gospel speak of transitions; the restoration of the people and lands of Israel, fasting, a bridegroom and wedding guests, and the patching of cloaks and wineskins. As I read these passages, I am reminded of perseverance, patience during the process and the grace of peace through it all.
The Responsorial Psalm illustrates this:
“The Lord speaks of peace to his people.
The Lord proclaims peace to his people.
Kindness and truth shall meet; justice and peace shall kiss.
Truth shall spring out of the earth, and justice shall look down from heaven.
The LORD himself will give his benefits; our land shall yield its increase.
Justice shall walk before him, and salvation, along the way of his steps.”
These phrases about peace are words of encouragement, grace, hope and strength to continue in all of the facets of my day and in the world. I so easily get caught up in personal drama or issues swirling around me, that I forget that the focus is to be the Lord’s way, not the contention and disharmony that abounds on the earth, throughout every part of creation.
The Lord says: “my sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” Jn 10:27
When I read this line I understand it as a directive to speak and do as the Lord would with a newborn, the infirmed, the elderly, the grieving, anyone who is learning (which is everyone, at all times). I am to follow the Shepherd who has justice before him and salvation in his footsteps. I am to be a companion and leader to sow peace, truth and justice in the world and all stages and places of life.
Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me. Amen.
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La paz es lo que me ha estado llamando la atención al orar y reflexionar con las lecturas de hoy.
Permítanme aclarar por qué.
Las lecturas de Amós y el Evangelio hablan de transiciones; la restauración del pueblo y las tierras de Israel, el ayuno, el novio y los invitados a la boda, y el remiendo de mantos y odres. Mientras leo estos pasajes, recuerdo la perseverancia, la paciencia durante el proceso y la gracia de la paz a través de todo.
El Salmo Responsorial ilustra esto:
“El Señor habla de paz a su pueblo.
El Señor proclama la paz a su pueblo.
La bondad y la verdad se encontrarán; la justicia y la paz se besarán.
La verdad brotará de la tierra, y la justicia mirará desde el cielo.
El SEÑOR mismo dará sus beneficios; nuestra tierra dará su producto.
La justicia caminará delante de él, y la salvación, por el camino de sus pasos”.
Estas frases de paz son palabras de aliento, gracia, esperanza y fuerza para continuar en todas las facetas de mi día y del mundo. Me enredo tan fácilmente en el drama personal o en los problemas que me rodean, que olvido que el enfoque debe ser el camino del Señor, no la contención y la falta de armonía que abundan en la tierra, en cada parte de la creación.
El Señor dice: “mis ovejas oyen mi voz; Yo las conozco y ellas me siguen.” Juan 10:27
Cuando leo esta línea la entiendo como una directiva para hablar y hacer lo que el Señor haría con un recién nacido, un enfermo, un anciano, un doliente, cualquiera que esté aprendiendo (es decir todos, en todo momento). Debo seguir al Pastor que tiene la justicia delante de él y la salvación en sus pasos. Debo ser compañero y líder para sembrar la paz, la verdad y la justicia en el mundo y en todas las etapas y lugares de la vida.
Que haya paz en la tierra, y que empiece conmigo. Amén.
Beth Price is part of the customer care team at Diocesan. She is a Secular Franciscan (OFS) and a practicing spiritual director. Beth shares smiles, prayers, laughter, a listening ear and her heart with all of creation. Reach her here bprice@diocesan.com.
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