We read in today’s Gospel that Jesus wept as he drew near to Jerusalem, viewing the unrest being experienced by the people. He lamented: ‘If this day you only knew what makes for peace…”

Might not our Savior have the same reaction if he were to be near just about any major city in the world today, witnessing the discord, violence, and hate prevailing among people? And is not self-oriented righteousness still the main reason for groups fighting each other? Hostility prevails when different religious, political, or social groups assert that their way of thinking is superior to all others and that their status quo is worth doing whatever is required to eliminate any opposition. Dominance is each group’s goal. It is not peace.

Jesus taught what makes for peace. When asked which was the greatest commandment, he instructed that love for God, love for neighbor, and love for self were the greatest of all laws. All other legitimate laws depend on these.

During our Eucharistic celebration, we conclude the Agnus Dei (Lamb of God) supplication with “Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, grant us peace”.  May the peace of Christ found in the breaking of the bread and shared among those present at the feast be the source and motivation for responding to the world’s lack of peace, lack of love. We are called to be what we receive – granted peace, unconditional love.

Prayer:

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me bring love.
Where there is offence, let me bring pardon. Where there is discord, let me bring union. (Attributed to Saint Francis of Assisi)