Much has happened over the last month. Specifically, the news stories related to gun violence. My heart is heavy, and I weep for the victims who lost their lives; for their families and friends; for the communities affected; for the families of the ones who committed the violent acts and for the ones who committed the violence. Lord, hear my prayers.
Then the news changed. We began to hear stories about neighbors (and strangers) caring for one another. An outpouring of love and compassion in the midst of disbelief and grief.
As followers of Jesus what am I, what are we, supposed to do? So, I turned to the scriptures about peace. I sat and reflected on each one listed below. I / we are to seek peace and pursue it. I / we are not to be afraid or anxious; and the peace of God will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Psalm 34:14, tells us, Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.
John 14:27, Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Philippians 4:6-8, Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Then what? How can I / we put our faith into action? Where is God calling us to be when tragedy happens?
Most often there is an opportunity to give financially. But I know there is more. How can I / we step out in faith and build relationships that will lead to peace? Building relationships where Jesus is the One who brings hope and peace. Building relationships where healing, hope and peace can begin to change people and communities.
What ideas do you have that will put your faith into action when tragedy strikes? Feel free to email me your ideas.
Now reflect on the two songs listed below.
Make Me a Channel of Your Peace
Prayer of St. Francis; adapt. By Sebastian Temple
Faith We Sing #2171
Make me a channel of your peace, Where there is hatred let me bring your love
Where there is injury, your pardon Lord, And where there is doubt true faith in You
Make me a channel of your peace, Where there is despair in life let me bring hope
Where there is darkness only light, And where there's sadness ever joy
Oh, Master grant that I may never seek, So much to be consoled as to console
To be understood as to understand, To be loved as to love with all my soul
Make me a channel of your peace, It is in pardoning that we are pardoned
It is in giving of ourselves that we receive, And in dying that we are born to eternal life
The Servant Song
By Richard Gillard
Faith We Sing #2222
Brother, sister, let me serve you, let me be as Christ to you; pray that I may have the grace to let you be my servant, too.
We are pilgrims on a journey; we’re together on this road. We are here to help each other walk the mile and bear the load.
I will hold the Christ-light for you in the night-time of your fear; I will hold my hand out to you, speak the peace you long to hear.
I will weep when you are weeping; when you laugh, I’ll laugh with you. I will share your joy and sorrow till we’ve seen this journey through.
When we sing to God in heaven, we shall find such harmony, born of all we’ve known together of Christ’s love and agony.
Brother, sister, let me serve you, let me be as Christ to you; pray that I may have the grace to let you be my servant, too.
Let us serve one another and actively live our faith with love, compassion, and peace.
Suzanne
