ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHING
March 27, 2022
Some of Paul’s final words in 2nd Thessalonians are: “May the Lord of peace himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with all of you.” What does it mean for God to give us peace “always” and “in every way”? And if God is giving peace without end, and using every creative measure to deliver it in spite of many obstacles obstacle, then why are we not currently living in peace? How can God’s endless and relentless distribution of peace not be changing us and the ways of the world? I don’t know if I have a real answer to that question, except to wonder if there is a nearly endless supply of everything that hinders peace. I wonder if we as human beings have allowed our fears to drive the production of everything that is not of peace, and to do so – sadly – with great efficiency. Maybe it’s time for us to find peace with God. We are never going to know the peace of God in this world until we find some peace within ourselves. In John 20, the resurrected Jesus says, “Peace be with you. As the Father sent me, so I am sending you.” This is followed by Jesus breathing on them and saying, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” Take a moment and reflect on breath, spirit, peace and then quietly and slowly pray this prayer…
Holy God, as I breathe in the breath of life, I breathe in your Spirit – the Spirit of peace. May it dwell deeply within me and become the beginning point of a life lived peacefully. Amen.
