One of our little dog’s funniest things is that she likes to anticipate; she tries to lead. She walks ahead of me and keeps looking back to ensure she is going the right way. Wouldn’t it make more sense for her to follow me?

I will hear what God proclaims; the LORD–for he proclaims peace to his people. (Responsorial Psalm, Psalm 85).

“The sign by which we know if we are in the grace of our state is in the inner peace. This peace has two characteristics: it is gentle and strong; gentle, like his grace of love, and our divine center of life, and that fills all our desires; strong, because it does not rely on our enjoyment, but it rejoices in the work of virtue and in the sacrifices of love. God works in peace.” (Saint Peter Julian Eymard, RA 28,1)

The Christian life is like a scavenger hunt, where Christ’s Peace marks the authentic clues. As we grow in intimacy with Jesus, we learn the sound of his voice. Our souls find rest, and we follow him. But this search for clues happens in the context of a team. Together, we help each other identify the false clues that try to take away our peace. There is safety in numbers; we are made for community.

Community and family life is messy; perhaps peace is the last word that comes to mind. There is a difference between the peace the world gives and Christ’s peace. We are not being called to isolate ourselves from our brothers and sisters but to follow Christ together to defeat our common enemy.

My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; I know them, and they follow me. (Alleluia, John 10:27)

Let us pray:

Lord, open my ears; let me hear your voice.