Thursday 12 October 2023

Praying for Peace - the last word of History



When confronted by conflict, war and turmoil, Peace often seems the furthest thing from our minds, yet it is a Hope that stirs deep in our bellies. We know that war, revenge and terrorism is not the answer to our problems - if it were, then we would have settled all our disputes thousands of years ago. 
Peace is the elusive gift we long for, pray for and believe will eventually be experienced.

As Christians, we are called to be agents of peace, yet we so often become vessels of division, polarization and self-righteousness. I am challenged by this prayer from John Paul II, which he offered to the Church in 1978.

"Peace is our work: it calls for our courageous and united action. But it is inseparably and above all a gift of God: it requires our prayer. Christians must be in the first rank of those who pray daily for peace. They must also teach others to pray for peace. To everyone, Christians, believers, and men and women of good will, I say: Do not be afraid to take a chance on peace, to teach peace. 

The aspiration for peace will not be disappointed forever. Work for peace, inspired by charity which does not pass away, will produce its fruits. Peace will be the last word of History."

I love that last sentence: Peace will be the last word of HISTORY!

I believe that to be true, because I believe that Jesus is the Prince of Peace. When he comes again, He will be the last word of History. Peace.

John 16:33 - "I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world."

Action: Let us join together to pray for peace in our troubled world!

Living in Grace
D3LM3

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