Peace be with you all

by Deacon Oscar Cervantes  |  05/25/2025  |  From the Clergy

Following Jewish custom, the early Christians greeted one another, wishing peace. It wasn't just a routine and conventional greeting. For them, it had a deeper meaning. In a letter that Paul wrote around the year 61 to a Christian community in Asia Minor, he expressed his great desire "that the peace of Christ may reign in our hearts."

This peace should not be confused with anything else. It is not merely an absence of conflict and tension, nor a feeling of well-being or a search for inner tranquility.

In the Gospel of Saint John, he teaches us that it is a great gift or an inheritance that he wanted to leave forever to all his followers. Thus Jesus says, "I leave you peace; I give you my peace."

We must undoubtedly remember what Jesus asked of all his disciples when he sent them out to build the kingdom of God: in whatever house you enter, say first: "Peace in this house." To humanize life, the first thing is to sow peace, not violence; Promote respect, dialogue, and mutual listening. Don't impose or confront others. Instead, we must seek to find ways to accompany others where they are so we can teach the peace that Jesus brings to our lives as his disciples.

Today, we see so much violence, and sometimes we let our reactions guide us and respond with violence. Let us look at the example Jesus gives us; despite all our offenses, he always desires that peace for us. And as good disciples, let us promote the inheritance God has left us to share.

May the peace of God be with you all.